Best sharefarmers crowned

Focusing heavily on the mating program, Mercede and Aaron have managed to reduce herd numbers from 650 to 550, while growing per cow production and improving fertility.

“Initially, the herd was split in two, but we decided to bring it back to one and drop numbers, which enabled us to conserve pasture growth, which also helped with paddock rejuvenation,” Mercede said.

“We then focused heavily on the mating program to improve type so we could have bigger producing cows.”

Calving in spring, the couple runs a tight six-week joining program, which includes three weeks of AI and three weeks with the bull.

“We are quite strict with our mating program, and we don’t keep any carry over cows because we don’t want to foster infertility in our herd, we want our cows to get in-calf either the first or second time and that’s it,” Mercede said.

“Around 75 to 80 per cent of the herd gets in calf in the first three weeks.

“Last year our cows averaged three days in milk across the herd.”

Importantly, the herd is dried off completely to give everyone, including the cows, a much-needed break and chance to reset for the season ahead.

From the start, they were very clear with their farming goals, which were to run a low-cost input system with a focus on home grown fodder.

“We have monthly farm meetings to discuss where the farm is at — we have debt and our focus is to make the most amount of milk with the least amount of money,” Mercede said.

Like most of the country, Tasmania is experiencing dry conditions, which have impacted on their ability to enjoy a good autumn break.

“Luckily, we had a good spring and were able to conserve some fodder which we are now feeding to the herd,” Mercede said.

To accelerate their growth, the couple also took on a 210 hectare lease block, which enabled them to run up to 800 head of cattle including some beefies and agistment.

This helped with cash flow and equity, but they found they were spending a lot of additional time on the road.

“We also had some difficulty finding enough adequate permanent staff for the dairy, so we decided to give up the lease, consolidate and go 50:50, which was a plan mum was more than happy to go forward with.” Mercede said.

“It has been our goal to take over the family farm one day, and we have got a good handle on where we want to go, which includes land ownership somewhere.”

Both Mercede and Aaron have shared similar farming goals ever since they first met in 2019.

“We love working together and building our future,” Aaron said.

“With dairying, there is something different to do every day, and the growth you can see physically out of your hard work is so rewarding.”

The couple was surprised to be nominated for sharefarmer of the year and even more surprised to win.

“Mercede had made a few notes on the back of an envelope just in case we won and she gave a pretty impressive speech on the night,” Aaron said.

Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture extension officer Lesley Irvine said the impressive young couple demonstrated what could be achieved through hard work and commitment.

“Mercede and Aaron were selected based on their ability to maximise the use of the property through careful planning, and their absolute attention to detail in every aspect of their business from pasture production, animal health and production, the environment and people,” Lesley said.

“They are an impressive young couple demonstrating what can be achieved through hard work and commitment.”