The project is a $1.6 million investment over three years funded by the Federal Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, through the Murray-Darling Basin Economic Development Program to help agricultural communities adapt to a water-limited future.
“With less water available for pasture production in dairy systems, the use of silage and hay has become an increasingly important aspect of dairying across the region,” Riverine Plains project officer Jane McInnes said.
“There is a science to making good quality hay and silage, and a really important part of the project is helping build the skills and knowledge of dairy, hay and grain farmers to increase both the quality and yield of fodder produced on-farm.”
To help do this, six demonstration trials have been established across the Murray region of northern Victoria and southern NSW to look at the performance of a range of fodder types, including wheat, barley, oats, triticale and vetch.
“One of these sites has been sown by Riverine Plains at Boorhaman in north-east Victoria, with the trial evaluating an oats/vetch mix sown at two different sowing rates and dates,” Ms McInnes said.
“Results from the Boorhaman demonstration, along with results from the other demonstration sites, will provide farmers and service providers with an opportunity to look at the performance of different fodder species under a range of climatic and market conditions.”
Establishing long-term relationships between dairy and fodder producers to increase risk management options, the diversification of income and resilience in business management is another key part of the project.
“Dairy businesses and grain and hay producers can all benefit from working together to produce higher yields of good quality fodder in the local region, and we look forward to helping farmers achieve this as the project progresses,” Ms McInnes said.
Riverine Plains will host a field day as part of the project on August 31, COVID-19 restrictions permitting.
¦ For further information, or to learn how to become involved, contact Jane McInnes on 5744 1713 or email jane@riverineplains.org.au
