In response to ongoing tough seasonal conditions and more recent industry developments Dairy Australia will move to increase its support for dairy farmers by accelerating the rollout of its ‘Tactics for Tight Times’ program in affected regions.
‘Tactics for Tight Times’ is a multi-faceted program of resources and practical advice that is tailored to the needs of each region and delivered by the industry’s Regional Development Programs. This initiative builds on Dairy Australia’s ‘Tactics for Dry Times’ program which has delivered 102 events to 2600 participants since July last year.
“I encourage every dairy farmer to take advantage of the resources and services Dairy Australia provides through their local RDP,” said Dairy Australia chairman, Geoff Akers. “It is vital at this difficult time for dairy farmers to seek out the support and advice they need to keep their businesses on track.”
“Your local RDP will deliver a number of the support services you need. They will also be able to put you directly in touch with other farming services.”
Dairy Australia support activities will include practical information and advice that dairy farmers can adopt immediately in areas such as finance, pastures and feeding and water and irrigation. The rollout and use of DairyBase will be ramped up to assist dairy farmers in revising their budgets for 2015/16 and developing budgets for 2016/17.
“We have developed a valuable regional services system for dairy farmers through the RDPs,” said Dairy Australia managing director, Ian Halliday. “They collaborate closely with other service providers such as factory field officers.”
The information and support programs will be delivered by the industry’s regional development programs and will include workshops, discussion groups and farm walks, in which the information and advice will be tailored to the specific challenges and needs of the region concerned.
There are a range of resources and tools available, such as feed budgets that farmers can use by themselves or with the support of an advisor, to help with decision-making.
Dairy Australia is examining all its support programs for dairy farmers to see where it can adapt, adjust and respond with relevant advice, information and support. It will also support the efforts of milk processors and other service providers in dairy farming communities.
Information on support services will be available at www.dairyaustralia.com.au and via the websites of the industry’s regional development programs.