Effluent System Design

Installing or upgrading a dairy farm effluent system is a big investment, so get some professional advice and do your own research to inform your decision making.

Step-by-step design

Step 1: Basics

To develop an effective dairy effluent system, consider the following: soil type, distance to waterways, how to integrate into existing infrastructure, and the strategies for fertiliser application and irrigation.

Step 2: Consultants

The design of an effluent system is complex and the cost of getting it wrong are significant. That is why it is a good idea to consult service providers who are suitably trained in the field.

Step 3: Site-specific plan

For new dairy farm businesses or major effluent system upgrades, it is recommended to have a site-specific Effluent Management Plan that outlines all aspects of the dairy effluent system. This includes capture, containment, treatment and reuse, potential risks to the environment and/or neighbours, and mitigation measures. In the design process, it is also important to factor in future intensions for the farm, such as a change in cow numbers, additional feedpads or expansion plans.

Step 4: Service providers

Talk with an Agriculture Victoria service provider, all of which are nationally recognised in Design Livestock Effluent Systems and competent in:

Industry guidelines and design tools.
Soils and climatic considerations.
Auditing wastewater generation.
Appropriate pond storage volumes.
Estimation of nutrient reuse areas for distribution systems.

Workshop

Farmers can also receive support from Dairy Australia’s farm system experts by attending a two-day workshop. It offers a great opportunity to connect with and learn from other farmers that are considering a farm system change.

The workshop will enable farmers to:

Outline their business objectives to determine the most suitable farm system.
Share initial versions of their strategic and action plans for group feedback.
Make an informed decision about the options and considerations for investing in a new system.
Get ready to start the planning, implementation and operation of their chosen system.

Register your interest in future workshops or request further information using the form below.