February 2010 edition
Murray Dairy News
Note from the Chairman, Jeff Odgers:
Well, we are well into 2010 and the Murray Dairy team has been working hard on determining what research, development and extension dairy farmers will need throughout 2010. Our CEO, Natalie Akers, will be finishing with Murray Dairy in late February to start a family and the board is in the process of finalising the new CEO position. The board met in late January for its strategic workshop and developed a new strategic plan for 2010-2013. Outlined below are a number of other Murray Dairy activities of interest.
Wangaratta Dairy Business Network:
Murray Dairy secured additional funding in 2009 for four new Dairy Business Network Groups, one is due to commence shortly in Wangaratta. The network is a group of 8-15 dairy farm business that will meet eight times a year, with a suitably qualified consultant to:
- improve farm business management skills;
- review the performance of their business;
- analyse future management changes or capital investments and
- identify and evaluate opportunities for their businesses.
Cool Cows Workshops:
Six Cool Cows workshops were held across the region in December, with one in Gundowring. Over 15 farmers attended the session and all noted the importance of have sufficient shade and sprinklers in the dairy yard.
Barley Grass Tech Note:
Murray Dairy has developed a Tech Note to assist farmers with the reduction of barley grass in their crops and pasture. All farmers should have received a copy in the post by mid-February.
International Dairy Week:
Murray Dairy, Dairy Australia and the National Centre for Dairy Education Australia had a stand at International Dairy week in January. It provided a great opportunity for those farmers present to learn about the latest research and development activities occurring in the region as well as nationally through Dairy Australia.
Young Dairy Development Program (YDDP)
Murray Dairy’s Young Dairy Development Program will now work collaboratively with the North East Regional Group by having joint meetings. The YDDP coordinator will attend the next Regional Group meeting.
