The Andrews Labor Government is partnering with Victoria’s dairy industry to transform feedbase management on farms and to minimise their impact on climate change and the environment, thanks to a $20 million investment.
Minister for Agriculture Gayle Tierney visited Hamilton SmartFarm to announce the next stage of the $42.5 million DairyFeedbase program, which will deliver six transformational projects across soils, forages and animal nutrition over the next five years.
From researching soil health and pasture composition changes, to measuring and reducing methane emissions, the six projects will aim to increase the profitability and productivity of dairy farms while reducing their impact on the environment.
The projects will also link to other national research underway and make the most of Victoria’s world-class facilities at the Ellinbank and Hamilton SmartFarms and AgriBio, located at Bundoora.
Since 2017, the DairyFeedbase program has worked closely with the dairy industry and developed a range of farmer ready products and tools – including satellite and sensor technologies to measure pasture production and quality across their farms.
The program has also made research breakthroughs such as optimising herd nutrition to boost productivity in a way that is resilient to the challenges of increasing temperatures and climate variability.
Together with the sister program, DairyBio, the economic benefits are anticipated to exceed $1 billion by 2030 and demonstrate the programs’ potential for enhancing farm profits, milk production and herd health outcomes.
These initiatives can both benefit farmers through increased profitability and contribute to meeting sustainability goals by increasing resource efficiency, delivering on the objectives of Victoria’s Agriculture Strategy.
To learn more about the DairyFeedbase program please visit dairyfeedbase.com.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture Gayle Tierney
“We’re working alongside the dairy industry to deliver research outcomes that will boost productivity, while reducing emissions.”
“The DairyFeedbase program is helping to invest in our dairy industry’s future so it can continue to be a world leader in innovation, research, and practical on-farm improvements.
Quote attributable to Dairy Australia Chair James Mann
“DairyFeedbase is a leading example of the dairy industry working with government on medium-term, high impact science that will improve the performance of soils and pastures in a way that benefits both cows and the environment. The need to address a changing climate is essential and science has a critically important role. “
Quotes attributable to Gardiner Dairy Foundation Chair Dr Len Stephens
“Gardiner Foundation is proud to support innovative projects like Dairy Feedbase to ensure a sustainable and profitable future for the dairy industry.
“This successful collaboration has delivered high impact innovations through research, allowing dairy farmers to apply new information for productivity growth and mitigation of climate change risks.”
Quote attributable to Jacinta Ermacora Member for Western Victoria
“I look forward to see how these six innovative projects bolster the state’s dairy farms productivity while still finding new ways to be more sustainable.”