Introduction to DairyTas
DairyTas is the Tasmanian service delivery arm of Dairy Australia, investing farmer levies and other funds to support the Tasmanian Dairy Industry.
DairyTas’ main aim is to identify, prioritise, promote, facilitate and leverage opportunities for research, development and extension activities in the Tasmanian dairy industry which will assist dairy farmers to manage change.
Further to this the DairyTas Board seeks to encourage the development of a sustainable, vigorous and dynamic dairy industry in Tasmania that offers economic and social rewards to dairy farmers and those in the wider community.
The Board’s roles are to:
- encourage ideas and adopt a rigorous process for identifying and prioritising the needs of grass roots farmers
- identify underlying problems which such needs reflect
- resource projects, co-ordinate funding and commission projects to address these needs
- monitor and evaluate project performance to ensure there are genuine outcomes
- act as a broker for innovative projects
- attract funding to leverage the pool of available resources
- provide local input to national forums
- provide feedback to farmers, industry service providers, Dairy Australia and other stakeholders
DairyTas adopts a wider role in the Tasmanian dairy industry to add value to its programs by co-operating with other stakeholders such as the Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research (TIAR) Dairy Centre, NRM Regional Organsiations, State Government, industry consultants and agribusiness and the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association Dairy Council (TFGA).
The Board’s main roles relate to research, development, extension and skills development. Marketing and political activities are not part of its charter.
DairyTas Board members are:
- Paul Bennett (Chairman)
- Grant Rogers
- Rhys Palmer
- Cheryl McCartie (Deputy Chairman)
- Danny Donaghy (Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture)
- Norm Frampton (TFGA Dairy Council)
- Cherrylyn Ker
- Greg Bott (Rabobank) Industry Rep
Office and Projects
- Mark Smith (Executive Officer and Public Officer)
- MaryAnn Hortle (Admin, Cows Create Careers, Picasso Cows, Human Resources)
- Donna Evans (Admin)
- Rachel Brown (Dairying for Tomorrow)
History
DairyTas Board was established by the local dairy industry and the Dairy Research and Development Corporation (DRDC) in 1996. (The DRDC was amalgamated with the ADC in July 2003 to form Dairy Australia.)
The Board is one of eight regional development programs for the dairy industry around Australia. It is responsible for setting, implementing and reviewing research, demonstration and extension priorities within the Tasmanian dairy industry.
Dairy Australia currently funds the Board's operating costs and some of its projects.
Aim and Roles
The Board's prime aim is to facilitate the development of a sustainable, vigorous and dynamic dairy industry in Tasmania that offers economic and social rewards to dairy farmers and those in the wider community.
The Board's roles are to:
- encourage ideas and adopt a rigorous process for identifying and prioritising the needs of grass roots farmers
- identify underlying problems which such needs reflect
- resource projects, co-ordinate funding and commission projects to address these needs
- monitor and evaluate project performance to ensure there are genuine outcomes
- act as a broker for innovative projects
- attract funding to leverage the pool of available resources
- provide local input to national forums
- provide feedback to farmers, industry service providers, Dairy Australia and other stakeholders
DairyTas adopts a wider role in the Tasmanian dairy industry to add value to its programs by co-operating with other stakeholders such as the Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research (TIAR) Dairy Centre, Milk Companies, Agribusiness Companies, NRM Regional Organisations and the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association Dairy Council (TFGA).
Small Project Grants
DairyTas Board provides funds for small project grants each year. Grant can be applied for up to $10,000 for projects and activities that support the industries strategic priorities and that will provide an industry benefit in Tasmania or help solve a local problem. Guidelines and application forms are provided here.