Practice change

Competition for natural resources means dairy farmers are no longer guaranteed consistent access to natural resources. Ongoing access will require increases in efficiency if farmers are to remain competitive against other sectors.
Modernisation of MDB irrigation delivery systems can potentially increase farm profit. There is currently little scientific understanding of the cost/benefits of these new technologies across a range of soil types and pasture regimes.
Leading food and drink companies (ie Unilever) have indicated they will require farm suppliers to report against decreed sustainability indicators by 2020.
The future of Australian dairy depends on its ability to adapt to climate variability and policy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By acting now to support adaption and mitigation across the value chain, opportunities can be identified and captured, and exposure to risk reduced.
Farmers operate in a range of locations and climatic conditions. It is important to recognise these regional differences when implementing D and E priorities pre farm gate. The RDPs provide this important link between DA and the dairying regions.

Improve industry competitiveness through greater adoption of practices to improve resource use efficiency
Build industry capacity to respond positively to the challenges/opportunities of climate change.
Enhance the dairy industry’s reputation among government, commerce and the wider community for responsible resource management and capacity to respond positively to climate change.
Improve the resource efficiency of the dairy processing sector through the development of new and innovative technologies