DairySAT

Dairy Self Assessment Tool (DairySAT) is an environmental self-assessment tool for Australian dairy farms developed for dairy farmers by dairy farmers. Initially developed by DPI Victoria with funding support from, DA, GippsDairy and the Australian Government, DairySAT enables farmers and the broader dairy industry to:

• Understand the environmental issues facing dairy farming;
• Benchmark on-farm environmental practices with best practice;
• Identify the most critical environmental issues on the farm;
• Know the legal and industry requirements in relation to environmental best practice;
• Understand key issues and identify sources of information and contacts;
• Source funding from NRM agencies; and
• Build a more positive image with the broader community.

DairySAT is made up of a series of issues (effluent management, irrigation, nutrients, soils, chemicals, farm waste, pests & weeds, biodiversity, air & energy and Greenhouse Gas). It enables farmers identify where they rank currently for an environmental issue (below, acceptable or above), set targets for improved environmental performance (action planning) and access resources or technical assistance.

DairySAT is undergoing an upgrade to have a much stronger productivity focus and to include the most recent technical information. It should be available by the end of March 2009.