Farmer Experiences : Murray Dairy
Farmer Experiences
Fitzpatrick Family
Better Value in Dairying up North
Bernadette & Greg Fitzpatrick
Greg and Bernadette Fitzpatrick moved to Girgarre in the Murray Dairy region from South Gippsland in May 2002.
After share farming in Gippsland for 14 years and building up their own herd, the Fitzpatricks were able to invest in their own farm. The Murray Dairy region attracted Greg for several reasons. Other family members lived in northern Victoria and the value for money was comparatively better.
“The cheaper land in the Murray Dairy region was a major incentive compared to Gippsland. We were able to buy land capable of milking more cows than we could further south. You can get more bang for your buck in northern Victoria, even with the water situation.”
Once the Fitzpatricks decided they were going to farm in northern Victoria, they began looking for land in their preferred area.
“We went with what we thought was best.”
Greg and Bernadette purchased an 87 hectare property with a 286 megalitre water right and a drainage diversion licence for a further 84 megalitres. Last December Greg and Bernadette also purchased a further 10 hectares adjacent to their farm, which has access to 60 megalitres of drainage water.
“In our first season here (the 2002/03 drought), we milked 168 cows. We have built numbers up to 192 last year. However, we’re not sure whether we will milk that many this year because of the limited water availability.”
To help learn from others and receive advice on farm management decisions, Greg and Bernadette joined a local discussion group, which they are now key members. Moving to the Murray Dairy region has met Greg’s expectations, although the last four years of low water allocations has made farming more difficult.
“The local schools and junior sporting competitions have been really good. The family has settled in well.”
The Fitzpatricks are glad they made the move and Greg recommends it to other farmers who are in a position to do so.
“As far as young farmers go, I am all for it. However, people need to tread cautiously in these dry periods.”
Bruce Family
Making the Best of What You Have
Lindy & Kelvin Bruce
Kelvin and Lindy Bruce moved to the Murray Dairy region from New Zealand 10 years ago and have capitalised on the opportunities provided.
To help decide on which area to move, the couple placed a newspaper advertisement outlining that they were keen to share farm in Australia. Around 10 replies were received from various locations including King Island. After speaking to local people in several irrigation districts such as Gippsland and the Western District, the Bruce’s decided to settle on the Murray Dairy region.
The main reason was the availability of secure water. However, the low allocations in recent years have made farming difficult and the prospect of further dry conditions is a mental challenge
Kelvin and Lindy manage a 68 hectare property, where they milk 230 cows.
“We have a simple pasture based system with not too many inputs. We have participated in a business discussion group, which has been really helpful. It keeps our business on track by comparing key financial information with other New Zealand and Australian dairy farmers”.
Moving to the region has met Kelvin’s expectations in terms of production.
“We have done pretty well and two years ago bought our own farm”.
The Bruce’s have three children, Joel, Tom and Margie.
“Joel and Tom have left home now, but all of the kids have loved the area”.
Kelvin has found value in listening to local farmers and capitalising on their experience as well his own.
“You need to make the best opportunity of what you have available”.
 Trevor & Tracy Simkin |
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Simkin Family
A Positive Experience
Since moving from New Zealand three years ago, Trevor and Tracy Simkin have found dairying in the Murray region a highly rewarding experience. The couple have been dairying for 25 years and are now at a point in their lives where they “feel the need for a change”. However they have found the region so appealing that they plan to remain in the area and in the rural scene.
“When we came over, we only looked at the Murray Dairy area because we had friends there, the weather was appealing compared to New Zealand and most importantly secure water was available. Also, compared to New Zealand we could afford to buy land there."
McCarthy Family
Murray Dairy Region – A Rare Opportunity
Sharon & Tony McCarthy
Tony McCarthy and his wife Sharon have dairy farmed in three continents. Originally from Ireland, the couple spent 10 years in Saudi Arabia before moving to the Murray Dairy region 18 months ago.
Compared to other dairy regions across the globe, Australia and the Murray Dairy area provided the McCarthy’s with a unique opportunity.
“We chose the region because it is one of the cheaper places to get into dairy farming. In Europe, if you don’t have a family farm left to you, it is nearly impossible to own a property. New Zealand land is also quite expensive. Australia is one of the few remaining countries where purchasing a farm is still viable.”
Tony had some exposure to Australia when he worked here briefly after college. When it came time to decide where to move, the couple undertook a “fact finding tour” and looked at different places in Australia. Tony then share farmed for six months to get some experience in the region.
The couple now own 330 acres near Tatura, where they milk 200 cows. The region has met their expectations, although the 1 in 100 year drought in 2002/03 was a challenge.
“We have recently started a family and have settled in well. The local community is good and there is plenty of privacy. But if you want any help you usually need to take some initiative.”
For dairy farmers looking to move into the Murray Dairy irrigation district, Tony recommends share farming for six months.
“The best thing to do is have a look around. If you aren’t from an irrigation background this gives you an opportunity to get a feel for the system.”