1 National Dairy Feedbase Integration Dave Henry

2 Why the focus on feedbase ? Key driver of productivity and profitability Threats/Opportunities –Climate change –Climate variability –Soil & Plant Health –Increasing & variable costs of production –Legislation

3 Diversity of farms, farming systems, people Total Mixed RationsPasture based Close to pasture production potential Potential to increase pasture production and/or utilisation Risk profile

4 National investment in feedbase Historically, –Project by project –Projects delivered into (single) regions –Little cross-regional value gained from investment elsewhere (despite opportunities) 3030Future Dairy Greener Pastures Forage Plus 2012 VicNSWWAQLDTas

5 How can the Tasmanian Dairy Industry benefit from National Integration ? Objective: Better understanding of feedbase principles for higher levels of pasture production and consumption Understanding the impact of, and interaction between: Defoliation interval & intensity Soil N Soil moisture “Greener Pastures”, WA

6 What can we learn from the work in WA ? Different systems, pasture types, soils however … –General pasture management principles –Research and extension design, methodologies & techniques (Lucey, J., Staines, M. et al)

7 Diversity of farms, farming systems, people Total Mixed RationsPasture based Close to pasture production potential Potential to increase pasture production and/or utilisation Risk profile

8 For farms already achieving high levels of pasture consumption:- How do they achieve it ? Where is next gain coming from ? Decision making guidelines … (Vic)

9 What can we learn from 3030 ? Optimising management of the ryegrass pasture base “beyond ryegrass” – role of complementary forages (where is next gain coming from) Process for whole farm systems analysis to determine where gains can be made –Role of modelling

10 It works both ways – the role of Tasmania in the national effort (examples) Perceived strong linkages between research and extension –Other regions keen to learn from experiences Technologies/tools for daily resource management Greenhouse gas calculator Perennial ryegrass knowledge base

11 Outcomes Regions leverage off National research and extension efforts in order to meet priority needs –Assist farmers to confidently manage their feedbase resources to optimise profit –Develop a capacity to adjust their systems to changing circumstances and opportunities