Dairy NSW, QLD Dairyfarmers Organisation, Sub-Tropical Dairy Program

Benefits of the facilitated process included:
•group-based data collection and aggregation of results;
•a more consistent assessment process across a group of farmers,
•reduction of bias in farmer interpretation of Dairy SAT questions and responses,
•more time and cost efficient for farmer participants, and greater certainty that the assessment would be completed,
•a participatory engagement processes with farmers and stakeholders supported positive change on farm and ultimately lead to increased adoption of best management practices.

The DairySAT results were used to:
•identify current NRM practices on-farm,
•determine priority areas for improvement,
•identify and report NRM performance at the group level
•serve as a catalyst for supporting further on-farm improvement where necessary, and
•demonstrate current levels of Best Management Practice (BMP) by dairy in each region.

The results of Dairy SAT were collated and, with farmer consent, were used to seek additional local resources and partnerships to implement on-farm changes in response to the priority issues derived through Dairy SAT. This project successfully leveraged substantial support and funding to address the key issues. Following completion of the DairySAT process, this project provided financial incentives to these farmers to assist them implement changes in response to the emergent priority actions through a targeted application and assessment process. Extensive monitoring and evaluation was undertaken to measure the resulting on-ground change.

A targeted financial assistance program was developed to accelerate the adoption of improved NRM practices. An assessment panel awarded incentive funds to assist participating farmers in undertaking on-farm action to address priority issues identified through DairySAT and subsequent action planning process.

As a result of the project, the key focus for most farmers was implementation of soil and nutrient management strategies, followed by water use efficiency, effluent management, native revegetation, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. A total of $149,000 was spent on projects that demonstrated an improved natural resource management outcome from the initial DairySAT process.

This project has demonstrated farmers’ willingness to undertake natural resource improvement strategies given appropriate incentives, despite difficult economic conditions. The provision of financial incentives was successful for engaging farmers in improved natural resource management and to expedite on-ground change. Individual project acquittals and a random audit were conducted to ensure that on-ground works have been completed. These reviews validated the implementation of the works subject to the financial incentive scheme.

An important outcome of the project was the formation of a new Dairying Better ‘n Better group in the Lockyer Catchment to participate in the DairySAT program. Consequently, this project harnessed the support of multiple partners (Landcare Australia, National Foods, QDO, Subtropical Dairy Program and the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation) to assist in supporting improved on-farm management and NRM outcomes in this area.

The project was successful in leveraging additional funds for this project. The additional funds enabled the 9 participating farmers to attend a series of capacity building workshops focused on priority areas identified through the DairySAT process. Workshops on the topic of soils and nutrients have been very well received with follow-up on soil test interpretation, property mapping and riparian management. The funding also supported on-ground change amongst a larger group of Lockyer dairy farmers and enabled the delivery of capacity building workshops to address identified group priorities.

All of the farmers that participated in DairySAT took action on their farm as a direct result of the program. Evaluation with the farmer group showed a mean rating of 83% satisfaction with their participation in the program. They also highly rated the quality, value and relevance of the Facilitator, DairySAT and Action Plan. Farmers also responded with an increased level of confidence about on farm environmental issues at the completion of the program.

The project revealed a high level of interest from Lockyer dairy farmers in land and water management issues, particularly aspects of soil health and nutrient management. Opportunities exist to provide further capacity building activities in this area. This finding is supported by the 2006 and 2009 Queensland Dairy NRM Program Regional Action Plan where soil and nutrient management issues were highlighted as one of the top priority NRM issues for the industry throughout Queensland.

The provision of incentive funds alongside capacity building activities resulted in on-ground action almost immediately and derived significant leverage from the Lockyer catchment dairying community. Producers have indicated that these natural resource management priorities would not have been addressed in such an expedient manner without this financial support.

This project has successfully built a foundation upon which farmers in the Lockyer can work closely with the Dairying Better ‘n Better for Tomorrow program. The Lockyer group members have expressed their desire to continue their sub-catchment group and another industry project is further supporting the development of this group.