The 120ha farm near Tongala in northern Victoria has consistently produced higher-than-average profit margins that the owners attribute to lower labour costs and the ability to allocate feed to individual cows. In the 2012-13 season, the margin over production costs was 69% higher than the average farm in the Farmanco data set.
Cows are managed as a single herd but automatically drafted to one of three pasture allocations and on average are milked 2.2 to 2.4 times a day, depending on the stage of lactation and production.
The centrally-located dairy has a Delaval Voluntary Milking System with DelPro computer software that provides easy and instant information on any cow's health, feeding rations, milk yield, conductivity of each milked quarter, weekly somatic cell count, and reproduction. Cows have been recorded in the system since 2010, providing substantial history on the herd if the farm's buyer wants to purchase the largely Friesian herd as well.
Inside the dairy, the allocation of each cow's grain ration is based on the time since their last visit, ensuring they receive a reward whenever they enter. A 300m laneway has been added to the farm to ensure the three-way grazing works efficiently. The goal of this system is to give the right amount of pasture allocation.
Subdivided into 70 paddocks that have quality pastures, the lasered farm has a central laneway system connecting them all to the dairy. A third of the irrigation system is automated and supplied from the Goulburn-Murray water backbone channel, with run-off returning to recycle dams.
On the hottest days of summer, a 12m by 8m mobile shed designed by a local engineer is easily moved from paddock to paddock. Another part of the farm's infrastructure is an undercover 200-cow concrete feedpad.
The farm has four titles and no direct neighbours, with three road frontages making up three boundaries and the backbone channel completing the fourth boundary. A renovated and spacious five-bedroom home with three separate living areas completes the farm.
Also on offer separately is an 85ha block, 8km from the dairy, which has been used for dry cows, young stock, and beef cattle.
The farm will be auctioned on October 16. For further information contact Kevin Hicks of Kevin Hicks Real Estate on 061 0428 271 270. The farm can be viewed at www.kevinhicksrealestate.com.au.
