Pioneering on-farm experiment – The Multimin Performance Ready Challenge moves into round two

With round one winners soon to be announced, the creators of the Multimin Performance Ready Challenge - Virbac Australia, is excited to reveal the 11 producers who will take on the Challenge in round two, this June, July, and August.

The Challenge, which follows producers, as they track their experience using trace mineral management in sheep and cattle at high demand production times, will see competitors from New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and Tasmania, battle it out in round two.
 

Dr. Jerry Liu, Multimin Marketing Manager, said: “The Challengers have been selected from an overwhelming number of applications all of them top-quality beef, sheep and dairy producers.”

He added that despite the trying start to the year, the decision to continue with the Mulitmin Performance Ready Challenge had been the right one.
 

“The first three months of the Challenge have seen some positive results from producers as well as provided lighthearted competitiveness and relief to the community as well,” he said.

Like round one, round two Challengers will be using Multimin to test the effects on animal fertility, health, and, ultimately, their financial bottom-line over the next three months.
 

Round one Challenger Tim Reid (NSW) purchases his Multimin from Goulburn Produce, he evaluated Multimin in his weaning program and said, “The incidence of disease in animals not given Multimin really started to add up. Next year, we will definitely be Multimin-ing”. Further, James Morris (WA) also used Multimin in his repro program with recipients, donors and AI cows all getting a dose of Multimin. He has reported that he was, “very happy with the results”. James has been purchasing his Multimin supplies from Elders, Mt Barker.
 

Dr. Liu says that he is expecting round two Challengers to continue this positive trend, as they are guided through the Challenge with expert support from veterinarians and livestock nutrition experts, while also working closely with their local Virbac representative.
 

The following producers will be participating in the Multimin Performance Ready Challenge for round two 2020: Jacqui & Jason Impey (NSW), Ben Ree (NSW), Carlie Barry (VIC), Justin Hall (VIC), Joanne Jones (SA), Richard & Cynthia Stark (QLD), Troy Mostert (WA), Kymberly Teelow (QLD), Emma Patterson & Jake Berghofer (QLD), David Thallon (QLD), and Lester Rainbow (TAS).
 

Interested farmers can follow each of their journeys and read more about the Challengers and their operations via the dedicated Multimin Performance Ready Facebook group: facebook.com/groups/multimin.
 

Jake Berghofer and Emma Patterson of Bonnydale QLD Black Simmentals, Kingaroy have commented that “We’re excited to be part of Round 2 of the Multimin Performance Ready Challenge!” and further noted “We think that using Multimin has tightened up our joining and increased our first calf heifer calving percentage. Earlier and more calves equals more money, which is what it is all about!”. Nutrien Kingaroy is their local re-seller that will be supporting them throughout the Challenge.
 

Other local round two challengers have already started posting in the group including David Thallon from Ashvale Station, who runs a Droughtmaster based herd of approximately 800 breeders, as well as 350 Angus cows that are mated to Wagyu bulls. By participating in the Challenge David hopes to increase the fertility and vigour of growing young cattle. David will be stocking up on Multimin supplies from Northern Agriservices.
 

With two rounds still to go, the Challenge remains open for applicants interested in winning the experience of a lifetime tailored to their professional development and farming system, plus 12 months’ worth of Multimin. Anyone interested should apply at www.multiminchallenge.com.
 

At the end of each of the four rounds, two challengers will go on to compete in the finals with the winner selected by a panel of expert judges. At the end of the Challenge, a national “People’s Choice” winner will also be chosen by the public from the eight finalists and awarded a further six-month supply of Multimin.
 

Challengers will then go into the running to win an overseas trip for two to the USA tailored to their professional development and farming system, plus a 12-month supply of Multimin. Second and third runners up will also receive six months of free Multimin.

Ends.

 

Media Enquiries:

Kyleen Partridge - C7EVEN COMMUNICATIONS

(02) 6766 4513

kyleen.partridge@c7even.com.au
 

Please note profile introductions of each challenger are also available. SUPPLIED PHOTO: Image 1: Emma Patterson and Jacob Berghofer, Bonnydale QLD Black Simmentals Image 2: David Thallon, Ashvale Station
 

About The Multimin Performance Ready Challenge

The 2020/2021 Multimin Performance Ready Challenge (MPRC) – a 12-month program that will see up to 75 Australian farmers experience firsthand the benefits of trace mineral management at high demand production times in sheep and cattle.
 

About Multimin

Virbac’s Multimin Injection is a trace mineral top-up that rapidly increases trace mineral levels in cattle and sheep for use during high demand periods. Providing selenium, copper, manganese, and zinc at strategic times of the production cycle has been shown to improve livestock health and fertility, thus optimising livestock productivity.