DPI Services to Dairy Farmers
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On 30 September 2011, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture and Fisheries Services, John Skerritt, launched DPI's services to dairy farmers 2011.
This document provides context and details of the services available along with an overview of the sector.
The Dairy industry: at a glance
Case study examples of DPI services to dairy farmers
- Service 1: Supporting productivity growth through improved feed base management
- Service 2: Supporting productivity growth through improved animal management
- Service 3: Supporting dairy farm business management
- Service 4: Irrigation farm water-use efficiency and water savings
- Service 5: Dryland farm water-use
- Service 6: Sustaining natural resources
- Service 7: Adaptation to a changing climate
- Service 8: Animal welfare research, advice and regulation
- Service 9: Animal health and minimising disruption to market access
- Service 10: Minimising the threat of introduction and spread of invasive plants and animals
- Service 11: Supporting dairy farmers to prepare for, and recover from, natural disaster emergencies
Appendix 1: DPI information notes
Industry feedback was sought following the publication of the 2010 service document as part of an evaluation report to make improvements in 2011.
Services to Dairy Farmers
DPI provides dairy farmers with a range of services to assist in the ongoing management and growth of their dairy business.
Through leadership, practice change and innovation, DPI aims to enable a sustainable, resilient and productive dairy community.
Our Work
Extension programs are developed and delivered in collaboration with the Dairy Industry. The programs aim to meet farmers’ needs and balance productivity, environment and lifestyle. Programs include:
Managing the Feedbase:
- Feeding Pastures for Profit courses
Managing the Business:
- Delivery of Taking Stock
Managing Natural Resources:
- Irrigation management advice to make the best use of valuable irrigation water
- One to one advice on effluent and nutrient management
People and Networks:
- Four regional newsletters
- Servicing groups
- Regional Extension Committees
Emergency Response Work
Our Impact
Examples of how DPI has helped
- Evaluation of feed based extension programs, in Target 10, has shown a return to the industry of between $5 and $10 for every $1 invested in extension
- Four out of five participating farmers believe they are better able to make changes to management and report improved profitability
- From a recent survey conducted by the Nutrients program, 94% of farmers indicated they were more confident managing effluent following DPI farm consultations
- Many dairy farmers have been assisted during the 2006/07 drought, with one to one consultations. Participating farmers reported increased confidence, with the advice helping them to make more informed decisions
Further Information
For more information on extension services contact your local Dairy Extension Officer(s) located at the following Department of Primary Industries offices:
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Northern Region
Cobram - 03 58 710 600
Echuca - 03 54 821 922
Tatura - 03 58 335 222
Kerang - 03 54 521 266
Wodonga - 02 60 437 900
Rutherglen - 02 60 304 500
Epsom - 03 54 304 444
Gippsland Region
Ellinbank - 03 56 242 222
Leongatha - 03 56 629 900
Maffra - 03 51 470 800
South West Region
Colac - 03 52 335 504
Warrnambool - 03 55 619 946
Camperdown - 03 55 575 888
Geelong - 03 52 264 667
South Australia - 08 87 351 330
Alternatively see our dairy contact page
Our funders
DPI’s Dairy Services Branch also obtains funding from Department of Sustainability and Environment, Catchment Management Authorities, Water Authorities, and Dairy Australia.
