Agrimilk Consulting Pty Ltd

07/08/2025

Effect of drought on microbiome community and metabolite profiles in kikuyu.

Lead Author: Jia Ling Viven Tan
Project P1b: Antinutritional factors (toxicity)

Kikuyu poisoning occasionally causes toxicity in grazing livestock, particularly cattle, often observed when rapid growth follows a period of drought. This study investigated changes in the fungal community and metabolite profiles in kikuyu under conditions designed to replicate those that lead to kikuyu poisoning.

Fusarium torulosum, an endophyte, has been suggested as a potential cause. The study involved subjecting three kikuyu cultivars (drought-resistant, drought-susceptible, and Whittet) to a drought period followed by re-watering to stimulate rapid growth.

The analysis identified numerous fungal genera; while Fusarium was abundant, other notable genera included Sarocladium, Cladosporium, Sporothrix, Poaceascoma, Myrmecridium, Phialophora, and Podospora.

The results are expected to provide a better understanding of the changes in kikuyu under different conditions, potentially aiding in identifying the causes of kikuyu poisoning.

View the abstract here: http://bit.ly/4l8Gy0v

01/08/2025

This workshop presents a valuable opportunity to deepen our understanding of carbon’s role in Agriculture and explore the practical opportunities it offers for farming businesses.

25/07/2025

The job that has always taken upthe most time on a dairy farm has been milking the cows. Along with all the other advancements of the milking process: hygiene, milk cooking and milking machines, the biggest change has been the cowshed design itself.

Walk-through cowsheds were standard until the revolutionary new design of a herringbone shed, which was labour-intensive, back-breaking work, stooping to milk each cow in individual stalls.

Waikato dairy farmerRonald Sharp redesigned a walk-through cowshed in 1952as a herringbone design.The first concept of a rotary design started circling in the1960s and with the advancement of automatic equipment, rotary sheds began to soar in popularity.

23/07/2025

Farms commonly spread crushed limestone on fields to make the soil less acidic – and this practice can also help remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere

02/07/2025

Cold Weather and Elevated Plant Nitrate Risk – Management Update

Over the past few weeks, since the onset of colder conditions, we've observed increased nitrate accumulation in pasture particularly in paddocks/regions recovering slowly from extended dry periods or what many refer to as a “green drought.” This has presented as both pasture rejection and unsettled or agitated behaviour in livestock during grazing and handling.

These symptoms are consistent with subclinical nitrate toxicity, where nitrate levels in forage exceed safe thresholds, especially when growth is stunted by cold, cloudy conditions and low soil microbial activity.

Typical numbers we've been seeing are between 1800-4000ppm nitrate be mindful of the numbers and the possible impacts on cattle especially if you are mating or just finished.

Practical Management Recommendations:

1. Test high-risk paddocks for plant nitrate levels before grazing, especially after N application or periods of stress.

2. Graze in the afternoon, when nitrate levels are typically lower due to better photosynthesis during the day.

3. Provide roughage or low-nitrate hay prior to turning animals onto high-risk paddocks.

4. Review N applications and rates.

5. Avoid grazing immediately after frosts or heavy overcast conditions.

01/07/2025

It’s a pleasure working with the McCarthy family on their journey.
Luke & Mark’s foward thinking mindset has ensured the longevity & success of their dairy operation.

The McCarthy family started using Fleckvieh bulls in 2016.

25/06/2025

A pen of extra heavy lambs has sold for a new Victorian record of $428 at the Ballarat saleyards, just $3 shy of the national high set at Griffith two weeks ago.
👉 https://tinyurl.com/5en82k36

21/06/2025

Industry experts have warned of an impending urea fertiliser supply shortage for the country's south-east growers. Read more 👉 https://www.stockandland.com.au/story/8993103/

05/06/2025

Opportunity knocks 👇

30/04/2025

Approved today 👌👇

The NSW Government recently announced that virtual fencing and herding technology will be available to farmers in NSW in 2025! Halter is more than just virtual fencing, it’s the leading operating system for pasture-based farming.

24/04/2025

Be on the lookout…..

Around 100 cattle were recently found dead in a camp on a farm in the Grahamstown area in the Eastern Cape, according to Agri Eastern Cape (Agri EC).

09/03/2025

⚠️There's been a significant increase in cases of Q fever - a bacterial disease mainly spread to humans from cattle, sheep and goats, that can also spread from other domestic and wild animals such as rodents, cats, dogs, birds, wallabies and kangaroos.

These bacteria can stay in the environment for long periods and survive disinfection and harsh conditions, which may be carried by dust and hay in high-risk areas. 🦠🌾

*Who is most at risk?
👨‍🌾 Farmers and people who work with live animals, including shearers, veterinarians and wildlife carers
🥩 People who work with animal products and animal waste, like abattoir and meat workers, pet food manufacturers and hunters
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family members of workers in high-risk occupations listed above, visitors to these environments and people living on or near a high-risk industry or livestock transport route
🤰 Pregnant people, people with weakened immune systems or heart problems

*What are the symptoms?
Some people may have no symptoms or a mild illness, while others may have a severe flu-like illness. Things to watch out for include:
🤒 Fever, sweats, chills, headaches
🤧 Cough, muscle/joint pain, fatigue
👉 Hepatitis (liver inflammation), pneumonia (lung infection), heart disease, bone and joint infections and vascular infections are possible long-term complications
👉 10-15% of people with severe infections develop chronic fatigue that can last for many years

*Health recommendations:
🧼 Wash hands and arms thoroughly with soapy water after animal contact
😷 Wear a fitted N95 mask and gloves when handling and disposing of animal products & waste
🥾 Keep contaminated clothing at the workplace, bagging and washing on site where possible (to reduce risk of infection to households)
🐄 Minimise dust and aerosols in animal housing and slaughter areas
💉 Talk to your GP about getting vaccinated against Q fever (not recommended if you have previously had Q fever or have already received the vaccine before - it is necessary to be screened prior to vaccination)

You can read the full health advisory here: https://www.health.vic.gov.au/health-advisories/increase-in-q-fever-cases