General News
8 May, 2024
Plan pays off for Fonterra suppliers
FONTERRA Cobden suppliers Josh Keightley and Remeny McCann prove anything can be done when you put your mind to it and stick to the plan.
The couple embarked on a two-year journey to improve milk quality, partnering with Fonterra Australia’s Farm Source team in western Victoria to find the root of persistent mastitis infections in their herd and improve milk quality.
Today, they achieve a consistent Bulk Milk Cell Count (BMCC) of around 100,000. A result under 150,000 represents a high level of mastitis control and quality milk.
The pair credit their relationship with Fonterra as central to achieving the results they see today, and for the positive reinforcement to keep at it.
“Through our supply agreement we have access to expertise within Fonterra, and from day one, they’ve been committed to working with us to identify the cause of the problem right down to each individual cow,” Mr Keightley said.
The couple had guidance from Fonterra Australia Farm Source area manager and Responsible Dairy specialist Brendan Hyland, who worked alongside the couple and their vet to recommend various changes.
“I went out for regular milkings to initially help identify the root cause of infections, and then we focused on new milking techniques and mastitis management to keep the infections away,” he said.
One of the actions was to split the herd into three which was central to identifying the cows at the root of the problem, and ensuring they could limit cross-contamination.
“We tell people this story and they say ‘that’s a lot of hard work, I would have given up’,” Mr Keightly said.
“But that was the advice we received to stop cross contamination, and it was the biggest factor in getting the ball rolling towards a healthier herd.”
Mr Hyland said it was clear from the beginning the pair were on board with change, regardless of the extent of work they needed to put in.
“They wanted to understand the cause of their issue and worked hard to achieve the best outcome for their herd,” he said.
“It was my role to ensure they had the skills and training needed to manage their milk quality moving forward, and to take ownership of it – which is exactly what they did.
“They were willing to learn and adopt new strategies that have ultimately resulted in the high-quality cell counts they’re receiving today.”
Mr Keightley said the Farm Source team kept the pair motivated throughout their milk quality journey.
“Brendan would call us when he saw our quality results and was just as excited as we were when he told us the cell count,” he said.
“It was that positive reinforcement that kept us going and made it feel like a real team effort.”
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