Nathan Shannon spoke to the club about J & M Shannon Pastoral.
J&M Shannon Pastoral Company, a 4th generation family owned & operated dairy farm in the Goulburn Valley, milking over 1000 cows in a recently commissioned free stall barn.
Nahan son of Bryan and Lindy always had a passion for farming and dairy.
Educated at St Joseph's, Numurkah Secondary College, G.V. Grammar and Melbourne University studying agricultural science. Spent 7 years with the Department of Agriculture before returning to the farm.
In 2012 returned to farm to experience floods. This was followed by a dry season with high water prices.
2016 a wet season with cows contained and hand fed. 2017 toured US to investigate different systems to achieve goals.
75% of dairy farms in the world have confined under-cover protection from elements with cows being more efficient.
Past eight years there have been three major changes.
Cost and availability of water.
Land values doubled.
Premium for milk increased.
Choice was to relocate or be more efficient with resources on hand.
Further trip to USA and engaged a barn designer. Aim to minimize cows exposure to extreme elements, increasing operation capacity by utilising free stall practices.
Moved to first barn in September, now building a second.
Reflecting whether it was worth it, some days he questions it, other days wondering how they did it. Milking 1500 cows is sure to have its challenges but Nathan is looking forward to it.