After a horrendous past 18 months, dairy farmers in north Queensland are finally in a slightly better place, according to eastAusmilk CEO Eric Danzi.
He said over the next three months, most farmers would have their milking herd numbers close to pre-wet levels of 2023. And 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 ... and held several workshops with farmers to discuss the recent trip to Finley, farm planning and milk pricing,” Mr 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.”
Mr Danzi said farmers appreciated Mr Hall’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, which is very encouraging.
“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 there was also a thorough discussion about 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,” he said.
“There is very little competition for milk in north Queensland given the two processors have very different requirements from their suppliers in most circumstances.”
He said changes to the milk price were 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.”