Setting Up a Sheep Feedlot
Setting up a sheep feedlot Part 1 Before commencing sheep feedlot development, it is essential to consult with the local consent authority, typically the local council, regarding any legal requirements…
Case Studies
Farm Support at Christmas: Grants, Loans, and Relief Options for Farmers
Farm Support at Christmas: Grants, Loans, and Relief Options for Farmers At Reid Stockfeeds, we understand that being a farmer is demanding at the best of times. But as Christmas…
COMMODITY UPDATE: Market Observations December
COMMODITY UPDATE Market Observations: December The 2024 cropping year has been mixed in terms of success (so far) with some East Coast regions experiencing high yields, good protein while capturing…
The Vital Role of Fibre in Dairy Rations and Rumen Health
The Vital Role of Fibre in Dairy Rations and Rumen Health Fibre is a critical component of dairy cow rations, playing a pivotal role in maintaining rumen health and overall…
COMMODITY UPDATE: Market Observations November
COMMODITY UPDATE Market Observations: November With harvest underway in Victoria and well over half completed in the North part of the country, we are reminded how no two seasons are…
5 Reasons to “Imprint Feed” your Lambs and Calves
5 Reasons to “Imprint Feed” your Lambs and Calves “Imprint feeding” is a practice whereby calves and lambs are introduced to a solid feed (hay/grain/legumes) whilst still on milk leading…
Managing Heat Stress in Dairy Cattle
Managing Heat Stress in Dairy Cattle Heat stress (HS) in dairy cattle causes significant economic losses worldwide by reducing milk production, reproductive efficiency, and productive lives of cows. This issue…
The Why & When of Feeding Sheep
The Why & When of Feeding Sheep As farmers, knowing when and why to supplement your sheep’s diet with grain or pellets can help boost productivity and profitability. Whether it’s…
COMMODITY UPDATE: Market Observations October
COMMODITY UPDATE Market Observations: October As another harvest approaches, we again focus on Grain logistics in Australia and how we face several challenges and issues, which can impact the efficiency…
Preparing Quality Silage
Preparing Quality Silage The main objective of making silage is to conserve nutrients from pasture or other forages as efficiently as possible to feed at a time where there is…
Low Feed Intakes in Early Lay Constrain Egg Production
Low Feed Intakes in Early Lay Constrain Egg Production The ability to achieve a high peak production in layer flocks have been promoted by the breeding companies for decades as…
COMMODITY UPDATE: Market Observations September
COMMODITY UPDATE Market Observations: September Late August delivered some timely rain for Victorian farmers. While some areas still seek a more fuller soil moisture profile, on the whole the Victorian…
The Importance of Protein in Dairy Cow Nutrition
The Importance of Protein in Dairy Cow Nutrition In the realm of dairy cow nutrition, proteins play a crucial role in supporting various metabolic functions essential for growth, lactation, and…
Winter pastures and the wedge
Winter pastures and the wedge As we look towards the second half of the year, and with most regions of Victoria having a drier start to winter, Feed Conversion Efficiency…
COMMODITY UPDATE: Market Observations August
COMMODITY UPDATE Market Observations: August Victorian cereal markets have been relatively subdued over the last month. While trade volume has been steady, there hasn’t been the level of volume going…
How to manage your Heifers during breeding season
How to manage your Heifers during breeding season Heifer management assumes a pivotal role in the triumph of a bovine breeding scheme, particularly as breeders prepare for the impending calving…
Practical Aspects of Fibre nutrition in Dairy Cow Feeding and Forage Management
Better Fibre Nutrition in Dairy Cow Feeding and Forage Management Managing the nutrition of dairy cows through effective feeding practices and forage management is essential for maintaining herd health and…
COMMODITY UPDATE: Market Observations July
COMMODITY UPDATE Market Observations: July As Australia passes another Winter solstice, Victorian Farmers were largely hoping for crops to be further along in their development; instead, crops have battled on…
Seasonal Feed Shortages: Why you should consider weaning your beef calves into confinement and/or onto a supplementary feed
Seasonal Feed Shortages Why you should consider weaning your beef calves into confinement and/or onto a supplementary feed The summer and autumn months more often than not pose a significant…
COMMODITY UPDATE: Market Observations June
COMMODITY UPDATE Market Observations: June Local grain markets have been on a rollercoaster ride over the last couple of months and with minimal rain having fallen to assist with new…
Laying hens and cold weather: strategies required for health and productivity
Laying hens and cold weather: strategies required for health and productivity As winter approaches in Australia, it’s crucial to adapt our management strategies for laying hens to ensure they stay…
COMMODITY UPDATE: Market Observations May
COMMODITY UPDATE Market Observations: May After a relatively quiet couple of months with grain markets shifting lower, April certainly swung things around with a big swing to the upside across…
Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS): Navigating financial hardship on the farm
Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS): Navigating financial hardship on the farm At Reid Stockfeeds we know that as a farmer you face numerous challenges in managing your operations, from unpredictable…
Understanding and managing Sub Acute Ruminal Acidosis (SARA) in dairy cows
Understanding and managing Sub Acute Ruminal Acidosis (SARA) in dairy cows When it comes to managing dairy cows, balancing rations to prevent Sub Acute Ruminal Acidosis (SARA) is often a…
Understanding and Managing High Milk Urea Nitrogen (MUN) for Dairy cows during Autumn
Understanding and Managing High Milk Urea Nitrogen (MUN) for Dairy cows during Autumn As autumn approaches in Australia, dairy farmers face unique challenges in maintaining herd health and productivity. High…
COMMODITY UPDATE: Market Observations April
COMMODITY UPDATE Market Observations: April Planting of the upcoming winter crop will remain the focus of growers across the country, while all other market participants will monitor closely to try…
Boosting pasture growth: A Farmer’s Guide to successful grazing rotation
Boosting pasture growth: A Farmer’s Guide to successful grazing rotation The unusually dry February this year poses a unique challenge for farmers, particularly those managing rye grass-dominant pastures. Thoughtful management…
Pullet Feeding is Critical for Laying Hens
Pullet Feeding is Critical for Laying Hens Good quality pullet chicks are essential for sustained and profitable layer production. Pullet growers should aim for optimum body weight and confirmation by…
COMMODITY UPDATE: Market Observations March
COMMODITY UPDATE Market Observations: March Australia’s livestock sector encompasses a diverse range of animals, including poultry, cattle, sheep, pigs, and more. Central to the success of this industry is the…
Optimising Dairy Herd Performance for Early Lactation
Optimising Dairy Herd Performance for Early Lactation Best practices for the first 30 days of milk. As we have learnt the peak of a cow’s lactation is set up in…
COMMODITY UPDATE: Market Observations February
COMMODITY UPDATE Market Observations: February With harvest 2023/24 largely finished, we have a better understanding of the quality available to the industry for the coming year. The season has produced…
The what, how and why of an effective pre-calving diet
The what, how and why of an effective pre-calving diet A well-planned pre-calving transition diet is crucial for setting the stage for a successful lactation period and overall herd health…
Introducing stock on to grain: the how’s and why’s
Introducing stock on to grain: the how’s and why’s The feeding of supplementary feeds such as grain can have a great impact on achieving your farm’s goals and productivity in…
Grazing Summer Crops
Grazing Summer Crops Although it doesn’t seem like it in some parts of the state, we are into summer and we have already started to see changes as we anticipate…
COMMODITY UPDATE: Market Observations January
COMMODITY UPDATE Market Observations: January Hello and welcome to 2024! We hope everyone had a safe and joyful Christmas as we look forward to what we hope will be a…
Introducing supplements into lamb and sheep feeding
Introducing supplements into lamb and sheep feeding As a leading provider of high-quality supplements, Reid Stockfeeds offers a range of meticulously formulated feeds designed to meet the diverse nutritional needs…
What is your fodder doing for you?
What is your fodder doing for you? We’ve reached the time of year again when everyone is/has been busy cutting hay and silage ready for the year ahead of them. With…
COMMODITY UPDATE: Market Observations December
COMMODITY UPDATE Market Observations: December With harvest well underway in Victoria and largely completed in other parts of the country, we are reminded how no two seasons are the same.…
The Evolution of Stockfeed
The Evolution of Stockfeed The stockfeed industry in Victoria, has a rich history that reflects the evolution of agricultural practices and the changing needs of livestock farming in the region.…
Unlocking the benefits of oregano extract for young ruminants: a natural approach by Reid Stockfeeds
Unlocking the benefits of oregano extract for young ruminants: a natural approach by Reid Stockfeeds Adopting the practice of infusing oregano extract into the diets of small and young ruminants…
Water Quality & Dairy Stock
Water Quality & Dairy Stock With warmer weather just around the corner, we need to consider the cows’ changing needs to keep them healthy & productive. Water is an essential…
From Paddock > to Grading > to Plate
From Paddock to Plate True story. I often imagine while chewing on a succulent, lump of steak the big bag of Beef ‘em Up® that went into growing out that…
Effective heat stress management for cattle: A comprehensive approach
Effective heat stress management for cattle: A comprehensive approach In the arid landscapes of Australian farming, one of the pressing challenges faced by livestock is heat stress. This occurs when…
COMMODITY UPDATE: Market Observations October
COMMODITY UPDATE Market Observations: October As another harvest approaches, we again focus on Grain logistics in Australia and how we face several challenges and issues, which can impact the efficiency…
COMMODITY UPDATE: Market Observations September
COMMODITY UPDATE Market Observations: September Over the last month for various reasons, we have witnessed quite a softening of the Australian Dollar (AUD) versus the United States Dollar (USD). It…
Planning your fodder strategy for a productive future
Planning your fodder strategy for a productive future As we approach the 2023/24 season and lay the groundwork for 2024/25, constant planning and assessment are crucial for ensuring a productive…
The Vital Role of Protein
The Vital Role of Protein Protein is the material that is used to build and repair the body’s enzymes, hormones and all tissues (e.g. skin, muscle, organs, and foetus), excluding…
The importance of a well-designed feed form to meet requirements for Layers
The importance of a well-designed feed form to meet requirements for Layers A balanced, well designed feed is imperative when it comes to meeting the nutritional requirements of layer birds.…
The Importance of effective fibre in winter and spring
The Importance of effective fibre in winter and spring Fibre plays a crucial role in the diet of cows, providing them with extra energy and serving as an essential source…
COMMODITY UPDATE: Market Observations August
COMMODITY UPDATE Market Observations: August With Spring on our doorstep conditions in Victoria are positive with crops overall looking good and at this point on target to be productive. Some…
Feeding heifer calves for success
Feeding heifer calves for success Healthy heifer calves are extremely important to the longevity and quality of the milking herd. Replacement heifers are key to improving and growing your dairy…
What is Grass Tetany?
What is Grass Tetany? Grass tetany, also known as hypomagnesaemia, is caused by a deficiency of magnesium where the animals intake or absorption rate is lower than the animals requirements.…
COMMODITY UPDATE: Market Observations July
COMMODITY UPDATE Market Observations: July As we reach the years halfway mark and look back on Australian domestic grain prices, we have observed a relatively flat market for our main…
Ten tips to ensure safe access to your farm for heavy vehicles
Ten tips to ensure safe access to your farm for heavy vehicles Agriculture makes up only 2% of Victoria’s workforce, but 14% of workplace deaths.” Source: WorkSafe Victoria: April…
COMMODITY UPDATE: Market Observations June
COMMODITY UPDATE Market Observations: June At the time of writing this, I have just arrived home from an inspiring two-day conference with fellow industry colleagues from the Victorian Stockfeed and…
The importance of fibre in layer diets
The importance of fibre in layer diets Eggs provide the cheapest and most acceptable animal protein for human consumption. To maintain egg supply and production, the modern poultry industry is…
The Importance of Macro-Mineral Supplementation
The Importance of Macro-Mineral Supplementation Macro-mineral nutrition is imperative for milk production, fertility, cow longevity and immunity. Macro-minerals are required in grams per day, compared to micro-minerals in milligrams per…
COMMODITY UPDATE: Market Observations May
COMMODITY UPDATE Market Observations: May It’s that time of year again where grain growers get to reset and look optimistically to the year ahead. As farmers have been busy sowing,…
Understanding Manure: What Poo can tell you?
Understanding Manure: What Poo can tell you? Knowing what to look for in a dairy cow’s manure (…. or poo) provides an understanding into what may be impacting on the…
Elite Dairy Beef exceeding expectations
Elite Dairy Beef exceeding expectations The Elite Dairy Beef program formulated for Australian conditions through a collaboration between Inzar, Maxum and Reid Stockfeeds made available during 2022, was implemented by…
COMMODITY UPDATE: Market Observations April
COMMODITY UPDATE Market Observations: April Australia has again excelled in cereal grain production for 2022/23 exceeding the successes of the two previous growing seasons. This success can be put down…
Transition Cow Management
Transition Cow Management Transition cow management is the process of preparing the dairy cow for the transition from the dry period to the lactation period. The transition period is a…
COMMODITY UPDATE: Market Observations March
COMMODITY UPDATE Market Observations: March At Reid’s, we hope everyone has had a safe and enjoyable summer. We hope in particular our Farming and Transport industries have had the chance…
What is Pregnancy Toxaemia?
What is Pregnancy Toxaemia? Pregnancy Toxaemia is a metabolic disease that occurs mostly in ewes carrying multiple foetuses in their last trimester. During this period, her energy demand doubles but…
Diet quality and gut health in Poultry
Diet quality and gut health in Poultry The gut or gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of poultry extends from the beak to cloaca. It has three main functions to: Digest (breakdown) the…
The Ruminant Liver & Photosensitisation
The Ruminant Liver & Photosensitisation The ruminant liver has a number of imperative functions, including energy metabolism and the detoxification of fats, ammonia and other compounds. Animal nutrition and farm…
COMMODITY UPDATE: Market Observations February
COMMODITY UPDATE Market Observations: February With harvest 2022/23 largely finished, we have a better understanding of the quality available to the industry for the coming year. The season has produced…
Understanding Facial Eczema
Understanding Facial Eczema Facial Eczema may sound like a disease of the skin but it is important to understand it is not. This disease can be quite detrimental to not…
COMMODITY UPDATE: Market Observations January
COMMODITY UPDATE Market Observations: January At the time of writing this, harvest is proving to be very much a long slow grind. Hopefully by the time you read this our…
Heat Stress in Poultry – Part 2
Heat Stress in Poultry Part 2: Nutritional solutions to reduce heat stress Heat stress acts negatively on regulatory metabolism and general homeostasis and impairs the function of the digestive system.…
COMMODITY UPDATE: Market Observations December
COMMODITY UPDATE Market Observations: December 2022 has thrown up many challenges for regional communities over the last couple of months. Extraordinary weather events have pushed crops to the limit, some…
Heat Stress Management in Dairy Cows
Heat Stress Management in Dairy Cows With the calendar suggesting summer is already upon us, here are some heat management strategies that can be implemented to look after your…
Heat Stress in Poultry – Part 1
Heat Stress in Poultry Part 1: Causes and Effects As the demand for animal protein increases globally, the poultry business is becoming increasingly significant. However, in the livestock sectors, especially…
Sub Acute Ruminal Acidosis (SARA)
Sub Acute Ruminal Acidosis (SARA) A well-functioning rumen is crucial to cow health and performance. Cow feeding fermentable carbohydrates drives production, but it can also increase the likelihood of sub-acute…
COMMODITY UPDATE: Market Observations October
COMMODITY UPDATE Market Observations: October The 2022-23 crop continues to take shape but is throwing up many challenges for growers and marketers in the process. There is rising concern in…
The Role of Nutrition!
The Role of Nutrition! Supplying the correct nutrients to poultry, at all stages of their development and production, is a key factor for maintaining the immune system. An active immune…
Peak milk sets peak intake
Peak milk sets peak intake You only get one chance to set this each lactation If you miss out on getting the herd to peak where they should, they will…
Milk Fat Depression – Risk Factors and Solutions
Milk Fat Depression – Risk Factors and Solutions Milk fat depression (MFD) is a common issue observed in Australian dairy cows. Highly fermentable and fatty acid rich pasture in winter-spring,…
COMMODITY UPDATE: Market Observations September
COMMODITY UPDATE Market Observations: September Reid Stockfeeds have always strived to produce the best quality feed for Australian animals. In order for us to do this, we have a strong…
Managing the risks of overhead powerlines
Managing the risks of overhead powerlines Farm equipment is getting bigger, but powerlines are not getting higher! Operating large vehicles and other mobile plants near overhead powerlines, even without direct…
Do you have the need… the need for feed?
Do you have the need… the need for feed? We are in that time of the year when even though we are a month past the shortest day, the spring…
COMMODITY UPDATE: Market Observations
COMMODITY UPDATE Market Observations Reflecting on the first half of 2022, volatile grain markets remind us how much our local prices are influenced by overseas events. The key drivers of…
A Pathway for Male Dairy Calves into the Premium Beef Market
A Pathway for Male Dairy Calves into the Premium Beef Market Solving social license issues Flexible involvement Future-proofing your business Stability in the supply chain Meeting expectations of processor’s, consumers…
How stockfeed grain pellets are made
How stockfeed grain pellets are made Nick Reid, General Manager at Reid Stockfeeds caught up with Arthur Vom Hoff, CPM- Business Segment Manager at the VICTAM International Conference held in…
Feed Pellets versus Feed Crushed Grain
Feed Pellets versus Feed Crushed Grain Did you know that Reid Stockfeeds now have their own pellet mill in Camperdown? So what, you might say? Well, now there is another…
Grain Perspective…
Grain Perspective… Grain prices across Australia have soared over the last month to levels that have rarely been seen before. After the 2021/22 harvest, prices for wheat and barley started…
What additives should be in your feed?
What additives should be in your feed? A lot of additives are imported and so are likely to be substantially dearer this year than previous years. There are issues with…
What to put in your silo in 2022 – Part 2
What to put in your silo in 2022 – Part 2 What to put in your silo 2022 – Part 1 set the scene for understanding what you need to…
Can you still apply nitrogen at current pricing?
Can you still apply nitrogen at current pricing? One of the major drivers of dairy farm profitability is the consumption of homegrown feed. Before it can be consumed, it obviously…
What to put in your silo in 2022 – Part 1
What to put in your silo in 2022 In 2022 it is important to identify the opportunities and play to your strengths to ensure that you make the most of…
Food… The Most Important Vitamin of Them All
Food… The Most Important Vitamin of Them All. When you are feeding cows there are three basic rules of nutrition: FILL THEM UP, FILL THEM UP & FILL THEM UP!…
Margin Management Is The Key To Profit
Margin Management Is The Key To Profit All business run according to certain rules and, although a dairy farm is different to running a bakery, certain rules apply to both.…
Who Wants An Extra Couple Of Hundred Dollars Per Day?
Who Wants An Extra Couple Of Hundred Dollars Per Day? – Ask Us How. If it starts raining in February and keeps raining through March and April you will have…
Mission Methane: More food companies turn to feed additives to reduce carbon footprint
PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY FEEDWORKS Mission methane: More food companies turn to feed additives to reduce carbon footprint This feature article has been extracted from its original version written by Lisa…
How To Beat The Summer Heat
How To Beat The Summer Heat Most farms had a pretty good spring with timely rain. Hopefully your hay sheds are full and the silage is stacked away. Summer is…
Putting The Right Feed In Your Silo At The Right Time
Putting The Right Feed In Your Silo At The Right Time At Reid Stockfeeds we pride ourselves on putting the right feed in your silo at the right time. This…
Winning The Battle Against Fibre
Winning The Battle Against Fibre As we hit December grass is maturing and so the battle against high fibre has begun. It has been said that one of the biggest…
Making the most of summer
Making the most of summer The summer of 2021-2022 looks like being the third in a row where we are dominated by the presence of La Nina. What that means…
Preparing for summer feeding
Preparing for summer feeding By the time that you read this article, summer will only be weeks away. Depending on where you live it might feel like winter has just…
Understanding Protein
Understanding Protein Proteins are involved in every aspect of a cows’ life. They contribute to muscle development and movement, the immune system, growing calves, the reproductive system, are building blocks…
The Last 20 Cents; is often the best 20 cents
The Last 20 Cents; is often the best 20 cents Most of you will be familiar with the image to the right. It shows that pasture grasses contain the most…
Creep Feeding For Profitable Results
Creep Feeding For Profitable Results Livestock producers don’t need to be reminded that meat prices are excellent. The key driver of those prices continues to be that demand for red…
Two Priorities To Think About
Two Priorities To Think About This Spring The total amount of food that a cow eats on a 24hour cycle, determines not just how much milk that she will produce,…
Finishing Sheep And Cattle Suggestions
Finishing Sheep And Cattle Suggestions You can’t fatten an animal on market day. Preparing for sale day requires planning and time. Getting the best results is a box ticking exercise…
The Economics Of Feeding In The Springtime
The Economics Of Feeding In The Springtime Springtime is the time of year where many farmers wind back the dial in the dairy and feed a few less kilos in…
Spring Into Good Times
Spring Into Good Times Everybody loves Spring. Sunny days, with blossoms and flowering wattles, the birds and the bees are getting busy and there is powerful pasture growth. Soon all…
Looking Forward To A Profitable Future
Looking Forward To A Profitable Future Since the drought broke 2-3 years ago all sectors of Australian Agriculture have experienced an unprecedented boom. Magnificent seasons, strong demand, and consumer confidence…
Pellets, Crushed Grain Or Whole Grain, Which Is Best For You?
Pellets, Crushed Grain Or Whole Grain, Which Is Best For You? With the acquisition of Five Star Stock Feeds there is a complete range of feeds for your livestock, and…
Slowing down the grazing rotation
Slowing down the grazing rotation We know from countless studies that pastures are very slow to recover from grazing until they reach 1 ton of dry matter per hectare (DM/Ha)…
Understanding pasture quality
Understanding pasture quality It requires a high degree of planning, discipline, management and sometimes luck to maintain a rotation long enough to allow pastures to fully recover and be grazed…
Improving your butterfat percentage
Improving your butterfat percentage Butter is the new super-food and the payment available for butterfat in milk is now nearly the same as for protein. If you want a healthy…
Tips on managing winter and early spring cow rations
Tips on managing winter and early spring cow rations This month we want to focus on strategies that might help you have an easier and more profitable winter and early…
A Roadmap to Feeding Sheep & Cattle Grain
Why introduce cattle or sheep to grain? There are various reasons why a farmer chooses to supplementary feed their livestock. Dry environmental conditions may dictate a shortage of pasture or…