Last week, Queensland Dairyfarmers Organisation hosted several Future Focus workshops throughout Queensland as part of the Farmers' Capabilities Project. Funded by the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training, the workshops provided the 60 farmers who attended with an opportunity to learn about and discuss issues the dairy industry is currently facing.
Australian Dairy Farmers CEO David Inall talked at both the Malanda and Toowoomba workshops about the Australian Dairy Code of Conduct, outlining the importance for farmers and processors to understand their rights and obligations under the new code. David also discussed the Australian Dairy Plan and what the amalgamation of national advocacy and RDE bodies may mean for farmers. QDO's Brian Tessmann and Eric Danzi addressed what the Australian Dairy Plan may mean for Queensland and looked more closely at the options being considered under the JTT's restructuring recommendations.
Cowra dairy farmer Colin Thompson and NSW Farmers Dairy Committee chairman was a welcome addition to the line-up of speakers throughout the week. With his keen focus on feed quality Colin's presentation on his TMR operation at Silvermere Holsteins was certainly a highlight.
Facing many of the same issues that we have in Queensland, Colin outlined management techniques to maintain profitability despite ongoing drought conditions and continuing low farmgate milk prices. Colin's farming system involves housing cows inside a free-stall barn and providing them with a TMR comprising maize and cereal silage for much of the year. This system allows Colin to use most of his land to grow crops, which in turn are fertilised using effluent and manure. This system allows a large quantity of feed to be produced and stored at relatively low cost, resulting in a high-efficiency operation. With its low cost of production and improved drought preparedness, many farmers who attended were interested in adopting management tools, techniques and technology demonstrated in the TMR and free stall barn system.
For farmers interested in implementing new management techniques and strategies into their businesses, QDO will provide support and mentoring to ensure they can effectively transition to a more efficient system through the DESBT funding.
There have been significant changes in the Australian and Queensland dairy industries over the past 12 months. Inevitably with change comes a high level of uncertainty. It would be fair to say, however, that the recent rains and a clearer understanding of the plans for the industry moving forward, meant that attendees left the workshops with a high degree of optimism and confidence.
