Dealing with Today; Planning for Tomorrow

Irrigated dairy farmers across the Murray Darling Basin who are seeking support in continuing to manage this persistent drought and who are looking to understand better what the future holds will benefit from the recently confirmed Dealing with Today; Planning for Tomorrow (DTPT) program.

The program will feature many opportunities across the coming summer, autumn and winter for farmers to gain access to critical information that will assist their decision making – both immediately and in preparation for next year

Dealing with Today; Planning for Tomorrowis being primarily funded by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), and is being implemented by Dairy Australia and the Australian Dairy Industry Council with the help and support of a broad range of industry organisations and service providers. 

This funding is part of a $7.5 million package provided to the Murray Darling Basin industries (horticulture, wine, rice, cotton and dairy) through DAFF in response to the ongoing drought and water issue.

Dealing with Today; Planning for Tomorrow is being led by a Steering Committee of key industry people who will ensure that programs are delivered and the right people engaged to give us the very best management, financial and market information in the coming year.   DTPT is being chaired by Allan Burgess, the Chairman of the Australian Dairy Industry Council. 

It is a truly cross industry program – the benefits of which, in terms of program and industry development, extend well beyond the Murray Darling Basin irrigated dairy industry.

A range of events will get underway in the next two months including:

• In December, farm walks, initially in South Australia, demonstrating the most cost effective, efficient and flexible feeding systems
• In the New Year workshops/walks and fact sheets focussing on how grain and fodder can be purchased in a way that minimises cost, maximises convenience and minimises risk to the dairy farmer
• In December, the resumption of subsidised access to the industry Taking Stock Physical and Financial Assessment farm benchmark tool

Other initiatives being actively considered include:

• Programs and tools that help with practical and effective ration formulation
• Workshops discussing the choices between input purchases, such as water and grain, and the likely financial implications of choosing various input combinations – what will work best for you and your farm?
• Updates on market conditions and the latest climate information for regions

“Dealing with Today; Planning for Tomorrow” will be a valuable networking opportunity.

The program of events will provide a guide to/access to the key services available to dairy farmers in the Murray Darling Basin which may help in managing the current and emerging situation.  Some of these services may include Centrelink, company field services, and industry consulting services.

We would like to acknowledge the other key organisations contributing to this program including:

• Australian Dairy Farmers Limited
• Bonlac Milk Supply Company and Fonterra Australia
• DairyFarmers Cooperative Limited
• Dairy SA Regional Development Board
• Drought Regional Coordination Network
• Murray Dairy Regional Development Board and Regional Extension Committee
• Murray Goulburn Cooperative
• NSW and Victoria Departments of Agriculture
• NSW Farmers Dairy Committee
• Queensland Dairyfarmers Organisation
• South Australian Dairyfarmers Association
• SubTropical Dairy
• Tatura Milk Industries
• United Dairyfarmers of Victoria

For more information contact:

Laurie Phillips – Project Manager
Telephone: 03 5433 6330
Mobile: 0448 026 419
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