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:
- Bob Bush - Dairy farmer, Scottsdale (Chairman)
- Rhys Palmer - Dairy farmer, Sisters Creek (Deputy)
- Paul Bennett, Dairy Farmer, Elizabeth Town
- Cheryl McCartie, Ringarooma
- James Langley, Smithton
- Peter Tyson - Tas Institute of Agricultural Research Dairy Centre
- Norm Frampton - Dairy farmer, Tas Farmers and Graziers Association Dairy Council
- Nicola Morris (VDL Company) - Smithton
- Mark Smith - Burnie (EO and Public Officer)
- Maryann Hortle - Moriarty (Admin)
The Board's Executive Officer is Mark Smith.
Latest news
Electricity Contracts Seminars March 2010
Download flyer and booking form
Guide to Tasmanian Dairy Cattle Welfare
A new Guide to Tasmanian Dairy Cattle Welfare has been produced for the Animal Health and Welfare action group by the Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research. It summarises the main requirements and standards around animal management and should serve as a useful reference and training guide.
2009 AGM
The DairyTas Annual General Meeting is on November 24th at the Riana Community Centre, Riana starting at 11am, including lunch and finishing with a farm visit to the Radfords farm on Lings Road. The farm visit will focus on pasture renovation and irrigation development on the farm. Information will be provided on farm energy options and audits as part of the AGM. Open invitation to all interested.
AGM 2009 invitation and details
AGM program
Annual report 2009
Small project reports
Investigating the potential of deficit irrigation strategies to improve the efficiency of water use in irrigated temperate pastures Phase II
Monitoring Pasture Utilisation on a High Input Dairy Farm System in Tasmania
Taking Stock Consultations
Following on from the Tight Management in Tough Times Seminars DairyTas and Dairy Australia are supporting the Taking Stock Consultations delivery to farmers across Tasmania. This involves an experienced dairy consultant doing a free financial and physical farm review. To date we have 70 farmers participating and with the extra State Government funding we can do another 75 plus what Fonterra deliver.
2008/09 Tasmanian milk production
2008/09 Tasmanian milk production reached a record 708ML. Early indications are that this season we will lose between 50 and 60MLs as milk price and seasonal problems take effect. The speed and severity of the dairy downturn has meant most farms are currently operating below the cost of production and clearly this is not a sustainable situation.
Large Supplier Engagement Group
The new Large Supplier Engagement Group had its first meeting in Burnie and they have identified a number of issues to look at including market intelligence and impacts on milk price, dairy industry training, People in Dairy resource use and Factory processing capacity in the future.
Dairy Live 2
Dairy Australia is running a Dairy Live 2 on December 1st in Launceston (from 1pm) at the Albert Hall to focus on Optimising Feed Conversion Efficiency. The program will engage national and international experts with a live hook up followed by a local discussion.
Tasmanian Government Dairy Assistance Package
Following the joint efforts of DairyTas and TFGA we have secured strong support from the Tasmanian Government for dairy farmers to assist with managing through the season. This involves a range of farm support measures for social and business support totaling $465,000. Details are being coordinated by Nick Flittner at TFGA (contact 1800 154 111)
Dairy Assistance Package leaflet
New Projects for 2010
DairyTas is supporting 2 new projects. The first involving Greenhouse Gas mitigation with 4 farms doing work to identify on farm greenhouse impacts and possible mitigations around energy, irrigation soil carbon and nitrogen inhibitors. This project is being delivered by TIAR and ARM.
The second is a nutrient management extension project with Cradle Coast NRM in the Northwest which includes more farms doing soil nutrient test and extension of previous work in the Duck and Flowerdale catchments plus dairy effluent advice and information.
Contact Mark Smith at DairyTas for more information.
