On The Land
1 June, 2025
Dairy farming on the up
AFTER a “horrendous” past 18 months, dairy farmers in north Queensland are finally in a slightly better place, according to industry representatives eastAUSmilk.
Over the next three months, most farmers are expected to have their milking herd numbers close to pre wet levels of 2023. Also, milk yields should be close to 2023 numbers as well.
However, financially, there is a long way to go to make up for the losses most farmers incurred over the past 18 months.
“Matt Hall and I travelled to Malanda, Millaa Millaa and Ravenshoe recently and held several workshops with farmers to discuss the recent trip to Finley (NSW), farm planning, and milk pricing,” eastAUSmilk CEO Eric Danzi said.
“As usual, our meetings were well attended and there was a lot of interest and enthusiasm from those who attended the trip to Finley. Many farmers were quite daunted by what they saw in Finley which was very different to what they are used to. But many also saw the opportunity to learn, be inspired and implement changes on their farm.
“Matt drafted more farm plans during our visits. Farmers really appreciated Matt’s considerable expertise and experience in farm planning and extension.”
Between eastAUSmilk and DPI, over half of all dairy farmers in north Queensland now have farm plans.
“I look forward to the next phase of FBRP where the focus should move from developing plans for farmers, to eastAUSmilk and DPI working jointly to support dairy farmers implement their plans,” Mr Danzi said.
“We also had a thorough discussion regarding milk pricing and contracts at the workshops. Again, Matt’s considerable experience was very helpful in providing farmers with a factual understanding of how milk pricing is undertaken.
“There is very little competition for milk in north Queensland given the two processors have very different requirements from their suppliers in most circumstances.
“Clearly, changes to milk price are needed to reverse the decline in milk production in north Queensland.”
International milk prices converted to Australian dollars are miles above what farmers in southern Australia are being paid. Many processors are consequently making high profits and raising prices through step up this year.
“This competition for milk should significantly push up farmers milk prices in Victoria which should flow onto NSW, southern Queensland and north Queensland,” Mr Danzi said.
