Dairying for Tomorrow

Dairying for Tomorrow- A practical natural resource management (NRM) program to secure the future of Australia’s dairy farms.

Dairying for Tomorrow supports dairy farmers to increase their farm productivity while at the same time reducing their environmental footprint by enabling activities such as precision application of fertiliser and effluent (Fert$mart),  effective irrigation (Smarter Irrigation for Profit),  energy efficiency and the potential for renewables,  maintaining and enhancing farm biodiversity (Biodiversity Action Plan).

Key programs:

Smarter energy use on Australian Dairy farms.

Advice on how to reduce energy use on farm. Includes fact sheets and advice on renewable energy.

Smarter Irrigation for Profit.

This project aims to increase the effectiveness of irrigation delivery and scheduling through application of new technologies and improved management. It includes 10 farmer managed optimised dairy irrigation sites across five states.

More Profit from Nitrogen

• Better understanding of soil nitrogen mineralisation factors
• Enhanced Efficiency Fertilisers (EEFs)
• Testing and developing industry N Best Management Practices (BMPs)

Natural resource management works

Since 2000 Australian dairy farmers have made significant improvements in how they manage soil, water, fertiliser and biodiversity. More farmers now soil test and use nutrient management plans. They have also fenced off more waterways to protect them from stock and revegetated areas to increase farm biodiversity. These changes have been facilitated by partnerships between farmers, Dairy Australia, milk processors and Regional NRM bodies.

Australian Dairy Sustainability Framework NRM Survey 2015

Dairy Industry NRM Resource Review

This document provides a summary of the natural resource management (NRM) tools, resources and policies relevant to the Australian dairy industry. It cover existing and emerging NRM resources across 10 topics – climate change, water, effluent, biodiversity and waterways, composting, soils, fertiliser and off farm nutrient loss, energy, land management and recycling.

The NRM Resource Resource Review November 2016 is a working document and input is welcome.