Volume 27, 212

Tropical Grasslands (1993) Volume 27, 212–228

Northern dairy feedbase 2001.
5. Integrated dairy farming systems for northern Australia

A. ASHWOOD¹, D. KERR ², R. CHATAWAY³ and T. COWAN⁴

¹North Coast Agricultural Institute, Wollongbar, New South Wales
²Queensland Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane
³Oakey and
⁴Mutdapilly Research Station, Ipswich, Queensland, Australia

Abstract

The predominant dairy farming systems used in northern Australia were identified as: (i) pasture-based, unrestricted irrigation; (ii) pasture-based, restricted irrigation; (iii) cropping systems; and (iv) feedlot systems. An analysis of the present inputs used in these systems and the associated cost structures was made using real farm data, and estimates of probable changes over the next 8 years made from recent trends in the industry and the estimates of farmers, extension officers and research workers.
These models show the complex nature of dairying in northern Australia, with a wide range in the level of use of major inputs such as concentrates, fertilisers, conserved fodder and irrigation. A high level of management skill is needed to carry out successfully the multiple tasks performed on these farms. The major constraints in the pasture-based and cropping systems related to the suitability of available forages and their management. In the cropping and restricted-irrigation systems there is scope for using higher levels of concentrates. The constraints to feed-lotting included the regular supply of feeds, difficulties in balancing rations, land suitability and environmental concerns. All large herds shared some constraints in terms of farm layout, heifer rearing and reproductive management.
It was concluded that the recent growth in productivity on pasture and cropping farms will be maintained, through the use of higher quality pastures and forages, increased concentrate feeding and the conservation of greater amounts of fodder. Growth in feedlot dairying will be restricted to the large, by-product feeders and a small number of individual units established in favourable cropping areas.