Dairy Industry Group

The South Coast and Highlands Dairy Industry Group (DIG) was formed in 1991 from the remnants of the South Coast Agricultural Research and Extension Council. Its aim then was to:

Improve the lifestyle and profitability of dairy farmers by promoting and coordinating action on relevant industry issues of concern
Fostering industry co-operation between milk producers, processors, regulators, advisors and researchers
Maintain, encourage and develop dairy industry research and effective communication of results.

The members of this Group have always known that an increase in profitability can only come about through sound agricultural practices. They have consistently implemented often expensive structural works to improve their profitability and the environment. DIG members have always been enthusiastic to use new technology and implement farming practices that greatly benefit the environment.

(Some of the members of DIG collecting their NRM Partnership Awards in the Shoalhaven Landcare Bushcare Coastcare Awards 2005)

DIG has also developed a large, strategic National Landcare Program to assist farmers implement environmental and sustainable agricultural practices on their land. The project helps farmers:

Remove cattle from riparian areas
Install off-stream watering
Plant shelterbelts and windbreaks
Undertake effluent trapping and reuse
Improve laneways to reduce faecal runoff and erosion
Eradicate weeds and pests
Address acid sulphate soil management issues.

DIG members have allocated a great deal of time and money (both indivdually and as a group) to ensure that the environment in which they farm is not adversely impacted. Members aim to leave the farm, and surrounding environment, in a better condition than in which they had received it.

The amount of arable land in Australia has reduced and the growing population is increasing demands on the environment. DIG is aware of this impact and encourages members to adopt Best Management Practices to ensure that the farming land remains productive.

DIG members have been implementing improved environmental and natural resource management practices for over a decade. Works that were carried out years ago (eg effluent control, riparian protection, weed removal) are still enhancing the environment today. With increasing farmer interest, and substantial National Landcare Program funding, many more works will be undertaken which will have long-term environmental benefits. Moving forward, DIG is now looking to implement works in an even more strategic way, endorsing a 'whole of farm' approach to natural resource management.

Dairy farmers have a great deal of respect, knowledge and appreciation of their land and it's environment which is reflected in the willingness of DIG to instigate long term (often expensive) works that ensure the health of the environment. The Dairy Industry Group is a voluntary organisation. All natural resource management works undertaken are due to the on-going support of the farmers. Although improved environmental conditions often lead to an increase in profitability, the works are completed on a voluntary basis. For example, farmers do not have to remove cattle from creeks and waterways but do so in an effort to protect the environment. This also incurs a substantial cost to the farmer that is only partly subsidised by funding. There is a huge financial and time commitment made by dairy farmers to preserve the natural environment and this highlights their dedication and ethos in being custodians of the land. DIG is also extremely supportive of other industries that may be adversely affected by its enterprises.

DIG members have instigated works such as:

Protecting the riparian zone by removing cattle and providing off-stream watering This reduces erosion, weed infestation and increases water quality
Removing weeds, such as privet and coral trees, to stop their spread
Introduced effluent management systems that stop faecal matter entering the waterway
Effluent reuse to reduce the amount of fertiliser required on farm
Taking part in the REMS scheme that has greatly reduced the amount of water used in the Shoalhaven
Improving stock crossings and protecting the waterways from in stream erosion
Planting wind breaks and shelterbelts, reducing evaporation and the spread of weeds, and increasing biodiversity and soil health on the farm

South Coast and Highlands Dairy Industry Group Incorporated is proud to be associated with Landcare and is dedicated to improving and caring for the environment, for the benefit of it's industry and the entire community.