What DemoDAIRY is Aiming to Achieve and Why

The DemoDAIRY Board adopted the DemoDAIRY Sustainability Policy at its March 2009 meeting. The main aim of the policy is to demonstrate sustainable farming practices which are profitable and to model the sustainable future of dairy farming today. In addition DemoDAIRY is aiming to:

1. to build a best practice dairy model that makes as much progress towards sustainable and profitable farming as possible, and
2. through demonstration foster the uptake of the achievable actions within the dairy sector of the Western Victoria region.

The goal will be to demonstrate abatement solutions and to implement pragmatic solutions and retrofits that are cost effective.  
Dairying is the largest agricultural sector in south-west Victoria. It is also the most emissions intensive, being high in energy use, but mostly as a result of livestock emissions. Energy prices are set to rise further with the onset of emissions trading schemes, and livestock emissions will also come under scrutiny in the future.
DemoDAIRY is a perfect vehicle for trialing and showcasing new and existing technologies that reduce greenhouse emissions. It is also a “typical” dairy in regards to analysing how a dairy operation might seek to become carbon neutral. Extension of this program hinges on it delivering useful outcomes in;

a) working examples of CO2 reduction, and
b) uncovering plausible pathways towards carbon neutrality in dairying operations.  

DemoDAIRY has started the journey to reduce the carbon footprint with a holistic approach.  Core activities towards this achievement are outlined below:

Dairy Farmers (and dairy farm employees) are welcome to attend the monthly farm walks which provide an opportunity to view our sustainable farming demonstration sites.  These walks are held on the first Wednesday of each month.  Phone DemoDAIRY on (03) 55922199 for more information.  

Telephone - (03) 5592 2199
Fax - (03) 5592 2206
Farm Telephone - (03) 5592 2215
Farm Fax - (03) 5592 2215
Postal Address - P.O. Box 121, Terang Vic 3264
Farm & Office Address - 7161 Princes Highway, Terang Vic 3264
Email Address - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website Address - www.demodairy.org.au
Farm Manager - Kym Mathew
Business Development Officer - Louise Sheba