THE new WestVic Dairy business focus farms will allow a new group of farmers the chance to track real decisions on real farms under real conditions.
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A panel of judges chose Simpson dairy farmers Brett and Bronwyn Davies and Terang’s Ben and Anna Kenna as the business focus farms for the coming program across the next two years.
WestVic Dairy extension officer Laurie Hickey said the business focus farms project was helping farmers to better understand their farm business systems.
“The focus farmer’s business goals are profit directed, with elements of lifestyle balance, succession planning and farm development included,” he said.
Brett and Bronwyn Davies moved to south-west Victoria from Swan Hill two seasons ago.
They milk 270 cows on 165 hectares on Princetown Road.
Their split calving commences in April.
The remaining 25 per cent of their stock are calving in September.
Ben and Anna Kenna purchased their farm from Anna’s parents in July last year.
They had share-farmed the property for the 13 years prior.
The Kennas milk 530 cows on 290 hectares on the Terang-Mortlake Road and calve in autumn.
Across the past few years Dairy Australia has established a network of business focus farms to support farmer decision making.
The visibility and insight into the impact of those decisions on the bottom line.
WestVic Dairy’s regional manager Lindsay Ferguson said with the current challenges in the dairy industry, the business focus farm project was more relevant than ever.
“Many farmers tell us that they learn a lot from the data provided by the focus farms,” Mr Ferguson said.
“Being a focus farm is a big commitment so we are very grateful for the farm businesses opening their gates and taking part.”
An experienced farm consultant will facilitate the business focus farms project.
About 20 farmers and service providers will provide additional support to develop and drive initiatives throughout the time.
Focus farm data will be published in the monthly WestVic Dairy Dairynews and other agricultural publications.
The farm businesses located north and south of the highway will provide a unique opportunity to demonstrate real decisions as the families continue down the path of farm ownership.
