On the back of a challenging year and leading into next season, the sessions will focus on providing attendees with information to assist with their farm business planning for 2019-20.
Speakers, including Kate Bourke of Think Agri, in collaboration with Agriculture Victoria’s Dale Grey and NSW DPI’s Peter Havrlant, will provide expert analysis of milk pricing trends, fodder market indicators and climate forecasts. Representatives from Goulburn Murray Water and Murray Irrigation will provide an update on seasonal water determinations.
Local consultants, Daryl Poole (RMCG), Tom Farran (Farmanco), Phil Shannon (Shannon Consulting) and Brian Crockart (CRC Agri) will facilitate discussion, delving into options for different dairy businesses under scenarios including dry conditions, high water prices and a tight feed market. The discussion will focus on improving margins — from managing the herd to managing fodder supplies.
The events will also explore ways for dairy farmers to optimise the use of water over spring and summer. This will assist in decision making about when and how to use water, boosting production in spring and securing water to meet business needs.
Eight sessions will take place across the Murray region, spanning northern Victoria and the Southern Riverina, as follows:
●Monday, July 22 – Echuca, Cohuna and Kyabram.
●Tuesday, July 23 – Shepparton and Numurkah.
●Wednesday, July 24 – Finley and Wodonga.