The Farmers’ Fund applications are now open for grants up to $10,000 to dairy farming families.
In just 12 months, the Farmers’ Fund has awarded $1.5m to 119 dairy families in South East Australia.
The fund raises money through the sale of Farmers’ Fund milk in Victorian located Coles Supermarkets.
Owned by the Victorian Farmers Federation, the Farmers’ Fund creates social impact from consumers to on-farm innovation.
In August, 18 dairy families were awarded $162 000 towards projects that promote a more resilient and sustainable dairy industry. These projects include calf hutches, automated calf feeders and drafting systems, cooling structures and new buildings.
Grant recipient, Daniel Fulkerson, from Gippsland has put his funding towards installing more watering points on his farm to minimise walking time for his cows to reach water.
“The Farmers’ Fund is a great initiative. Selling milk that consumers can opt to buy with proceeds going directly back to dairy farmers is a supportive model. The grants are helpful in allowing us to make necessary farm upgrades,” said Daniel Fulkerson. Productivity changes will occur during the summer months in reducing cow heat fatigue.
More information about the Farmers’ Fund including an application form can be found online at www.farmersfund.org.au or by emailing farmersfund@vff.org.au