Water

From 2001 and 2006 Australian dairy farmers improved their productivity per litre of water used by 20%. They achieved this by adopting more efficient irrigation technologies, changing the forage crop/pasture mix to maximise dry matter production and adopting automated irrigation technologies.

Since Australia’s ability to feed itself and others depends on water, nutrients and healthy soil which also drive production on dairy farms, the industry continues to invest in programs to identify the most efficient use of water for a particular climate, geography, soil type, and distribution system.

With climate trends forecasting reduced water availabilty,  the Australian dairy industry works to ensure it remains a productive, efficient user of water.

Further, water productivity improvements are possible through new uptake of established water-saving irrigation technologies and practices, more efficient use of water in the dairy shed and development and implementation of new principles, technologies and practices.

For information about Best Management Practices for Water Use and Irrigation in the Tasmanian Dairy Industry see:

 DairyTas Best Management for Water Brochure 2007.pdf

For information about saving water in dairies go to:
http://www.dairyaustralia.com.au/content/view/196/95/ then click on: Saving water in dairies

For information about Irrigation System Selection and Design Guidelines go to: http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/dpi/vro/vrosite.nsf/pages/lwm_farmwater_efficient_irrigation_wheel