Focus Farm Project- Final Wrap
Laurie Hickey, Regional Extension Officer, WestVic Dairy
Dairy Australia’s current emphasis on business profitability has highlighted the importance of the
Business Focus Farm project. By demonstrating real farms, real conditions and real decisions, the
project is relevant to all farmers in the region.
The three focus farms all had specific challenges that allowed consultants to demonstrate
management and capacity
building strategies. The challenges faced by each group were not unique
to the industry but confirmed that effective
management process could maintain profitability and
commitment to the success ensured a positive outcome.
The wide scope of the project encouraged farmers to utilise business analysis and apply them to their
own enterprises.
The project demonstrated the importance of business decisions based on strong understanding of the
key profit drivers of home grown feed and risk management. The Focus Farmers were supported by
an experienced farm consultant in addition to a support group of farmers and service providers. The
project was an ideal opportunity to promote the utilisation of Dairy Australia tools and programs
including DairyBase, Taking Stock, feed base programs, animal health and welfare programs. The
current round of Business Focus Farms has concluded after two years, and a dinner was held in
September to recognise the achievements and commitment of all to the project.
The Barongarook West Business Focus Farm main achievements were to improve pasture
access for the herd by installing sub-surface drainage with
collectors to store excess water. The
construction of an underpass and creek crossings allowed access to remote paddocks that were
effectively out-paddocks, allowing milking platform to grow from 180ha to 263ha.
The farm’s potential was further realized by shifting the calving pattern to maximise seasonality and
milk price. The Scott farm showed resilience in a tough year for the region with below average milk
price.
The Timboon Business Focus Farm achievements have been, improved recruiting, training and
retention of staff., The seasonal calving herd has been shifted from spring to summer calving,
maximising factory growth and milk incentives. The farm recorded a significant increase in the tonnes
of home grown fodder yielded. The development of a succession plan allowed partners to realise their
needs.
The Heathmere Business Focus Farm lists their achievements as sowing maize resulting in crop
yields of 18 ton DM/ha. This has allowed cows to be fully fed in the critical 100 day post calving
period. This alone resulted in an increase in milk yield, and a lift in 6 week pregnancy rates. By
expanding the irrigation system to better utilise current water allocation, the farm returned a profit
despite seasonal and industry challenges.
A new round of Business Focus Farm projects will see two farms commence in January 2017, with
the possibility of a third farm starting in January 2018. At a time when industry retention of both farms
and employees is delicately poised, Focus Farms provide information and confidence to farmers to
assist with decision making on managing financial risk and maintaining profitability.
The Focus Farm ‘Wrap Up’ Dinner