Developing winter forages for the far north Queensland dairy industry

Abstract

The far north Queensland (FNQ) dairy industry has historically relied on the use of maize silage in dairy diets either year-round in partial mixed ration systems, or as a supplement in pasture-based systems during dry times. Maize grows very well during summer in the north Queensland environment and has therefore been readily available to farmers at reasonable cost. However, there are several challenges which can significantly impact the quality of the end product. Harvesting the crop at the correct dry matter percentage, lack of contractors and machinery to harvest large areas that mature at the same time, and more recently the impact that fall army worm has had on yields and cost of production. Inclusion of protein in adequate amounts in FNQ dairy diets is also a challenge due to the cost of freight required to transport typically used protein meals such as canola and soybean. Is there an opportunity to grow winter forages in far north Queensland which are higher in protein than maize silage which can offset the high cost of protein meals in cow diets? These crops can be harvested at a time of year when competition for silage contractors and machinery does not exist therefore increasing the likelihood of harvest occurring at optimum crop dry matter.