A training program to improve the lifestyle and profitability of dairy farmers in eastern Australia has been developed at the Tropical Dairy Research Centre (TDRC) at UQ Gatton.
Milk Business will be introduced to farmers after an intensive 12-month program to train 50 course presenters based in dairying regions across three States.
The project leader and director of the Tropical Dairy Research Centre, Professor Tom Cowan, said course delivery would start in Queensland in June and shortly afterwards in NSW.
A modified program would be co-ordinated separately for farmers in Victoria, the biggest dairying State.
“The initiative started here in response to pressure on our farmers to improve business performance to cope with market de-regulation,” Professor Cowan said.
“The TDRC is ideally placed to take a leadership role in developing this program which is unique in Australia.”
Milk Business has been put together with strong support from governments and industry. Funding and input has been provided by the Queensland Department of Primary Industries, the NSW Department of Agriculture and the Dairy Research and Development Corporation.
Subtropical Dairy and DIDCO, which deliver industry R&D in New South Wales and Queensland, have also been closely involved.
Professor Cowan said intensive training for course presenters had just been completed. Participants were a mix of government dairy advisers, dairy company field staff and private consultants.
Milk Business will provide farmers with hands-on training in modern business management techniques using data from their own enterprises.
The course is based on the work of a world leader in dairy farm business management, Marven Hoekema of the United States. He visited Australia several times during its development.
Professor Cowan said there were two options for farmers wishing to access the Milk Business program.
It would be available in three- or four-day workshops delivered in dairy regions according to demand. Different elements of the program would also be introduced through local farmer discussion groups.
Small management teams had been set up to co-ordinate delivery in Queensland and NSW.
Professor Cowan said Milk Business offered dairy farmers real benefits.
“The program will improve their skills and the return on farm investment. It is about creating a good future for farmers and their families,” he said.
Media: For more information, contact Professor Tom Cowan on 07 5460 1262 or
Anthony Smith on 0409 265 587.
