Many dairy farmers are feeling nervous about the possibility of a failed spring, yet also hopeful. A bit of warmth and decent rainfall could help kick-start farming back into some sense of normality.
I’m focused on making the most of spring. It’s our key window for annual growth and silage production.
This year, my approach to spring will look quite different on the farm because of the poor pasture conditions caused by the drought.
For the first time ever, I had to re-sow the entire farm in autumn. Unfortunately, much of it germinated too late, and the limited rain we’ve had has quickly turned paddocks boggy.
Despite applying seed and fertiliser, we’ve seen no winter growth. Since September 2023, we’ve had only about two-and-a-half months of effective growing conditions.
Even with a good spring, silage yields will likely be lower, and pastures will lag in tillering. Farmers across south-west Victoria are facing the same or similar challenges.
WestVic Dairy is here to help farmers plan for spring 2025 and make the most of their resources.
In response to farmer feedback, WestVic Dairy will be running three Maximising Spring workshops across the region in August. Respected farm consultants David Wisewould and Phil Shannon will lead these sessions.
I’ll be attending the session closest to me. These current conditions and lack of pasture on farm is something I’ve not experienced before, and I’m keen to learn and hear their insights.
The workshops will go into detail about: maximising production and utilisation of home-grown feed and fodder, summer cropping options (especially for resown paddocks that have failed), fertiliser strategies, pest and grazing management.
Dairy Australia also offers a range of drought-specific webinars and resources to support your spring setup.
To explore these tools and register for a Maximising Spring session near you visit: westvicdairy.com.au
Whatever the season brings, the actions we take now can pay off when conditions improve.
WestVic Dairy is committed to supporting farmers where it matters most.
A big part of this is our experienced local board of dairy farmers and service providers who guide the organisation’s strategic direction. Their local knowledge ensures we stay focused on what matters to our dairy community.
We’re currently inviting applications for director positions for both farmer and specialist (service provider) roles. If you’ve ever considered joining the board but weren’t sure, I encourage you to apply.
We offer comprehensive training in business management and corporate governance, and you’ll be joining a team that works well together and has strong industry connections. You’ll be mentored and surrounded by experienced farmers and agribusiness professionals who are passionate about the dairy industry.
You learn just as much from other board members as you do from formal training.
What you learn on the board can benefit your own personal development, your business and your community.
We welcome passionate individuals with fresh ideas and a collaborative mindset who want to see the south-west dairy industry thrive.
Visit westvicdairy.com.au to learn more and apply. Applications close on Thursday, August 15.
And finally, remember to look after yourself, your staff and your family. It’s okay not to be okay, please reach out if you need a hand.
There are people and communities thinking of you and ready to help. Let’s continue to support each other.
– Brendan Rea is the WestVic Dairy chair.
