Profiling the MIL region
Regional Dairy Industry Support
The Growing the MIL region project brings together a range of stakeholders working to support and strengthen dairy farming in the Murray Irrigation Region.
These stakeholders include:
Murray Dairy
Murray Irrigation Limited
NSW Department of Industry and Investment
Other regional programs and networks include the Riverina Regional Dairy Network, Young Dairy Development Program, MIL's Dairy Strategy Officer and NSW Farmers Association.
NSW Department of Industry and Investment (I & I, NSW)
The Murray Irrigation Area is serviced by a variety of I & I NSW staff including a Dairy Livestock officer based in Deniliquin along with an Irrigation Officer, Hydrologists officer and Agronomy officers. The DII offertechnical support via written articles, field days and meetings and some research projecrs including fodder trials.
For further information contact Michael Cashen (Livestock Officer –Dairy) on 0428 968 909 or email michael.cashen@industry.nsw.gov.au
Murray Irrigation Dairy Strategy Officer
The officer is employed by Murray Irrigation Ltd and supported by NSW Regional Development and Murray Dairy.
The Dairy Strategy Officer supports existing dairy farmers within the region and assists those looking to expand their operation. The project also involves promoting and marketing of the region to potential new dairy investors to grow the dairy industry to some 400 million litres/annum.
The officer also provides a key independent focal point for enquiries and referral while working with other key industry stakeholder groups.
For further information contact Troy Mauger (Dairy Strategy Officer) on (03) 5888 3014 or email troym@murrayirrigation.com.au
Riverina Regional Dairy Network
This committee focuses on extension and education needs of the dairy industry in the Southern Riverina area. The committee meets every 6 weeks.
Committee representation is diverse and includes dairy farmers, service providers & consultants, NSW Dept. Industry and Investment, Riverina Tafe, Milk processors and the Young Dairy Development Program (YDDP) Co-ordinator.
When the need arises industry consultants with specific skills are invited to the meeting in person or via webinar technology.
The Riverina Regional Dairy Network group is represented on the Regional Extension and Education Committee by a nominated delegate from the group, who conveys group ideas and seeks assistance for funding and resources to run the programs that will benefit dairy businesses in our area.
Funding is derived from a number of sources including Dairy Australia, Murray Dairy, NSW DII, Gardiner Foundation and the Dairy Extension Centre.
Outcomes from the committee have included:
- Dairy Option Seminar
- Young Dairy Development Program group forming in the Southern Riverina
- North East Victoria Tour in May to look at the 30:30 project
- Cups on Cups off program
- Dairy Industry Christmas function
- Southern Riverina Forage trials
- Seasonal shed meetings
For further information please contact the Chairperson Ruth Kydd on 0417 687 097 or email nrkydd@finley.net.au