South Australia was experiencing different conditions across different regions, DairySA chairman Michael Connor noted at the opening of the regional development program’s central conference last month.
“We need to be real about how tough it is,” Mr O’Connor said.
“One positive thing is that the milk price is heading in the right direction and it could be worse if that wasn’t happening.”
He noted there was also an increased demand for milk with multiple processors looking for supply.
On the other hand, high input costs were making it tough to break even.
Mr O’Connor said DairySA’s role was to get as much as possible of the levy money back to the farmer who paid the levy.
“We focus what is in the farmers control; research, development and extension.
“Extension needs to be flexible and adaptable to the changing challenges.”
He was encouraged by the good feedback he received from the DairySA team and he encouraged farmers to connect with the staff.
South Australian Dairy Safe records the state has 55 milk processors registered, supplied by 228 dairy farms.