GippsDairy R&D Projects

1.  Green Cleaning

A major project is underway in Gippsland which aims to fundamentally change the way milking machines are cleaned around the world.

Currently the hot chemical detergent systems used on farms consume large quantities of energy, water and chemicals. These wash solutions are used once and are then discharged to waste.  This project will develop a prototype that will wash with cooler water to save energy.  Plus recycle the water and the chemicals to save dollars and resources.

The ‘Green Cleaning’ project brings together the farm, technical, regulatory and commercial sectors to develop the next generation of environmentally-sustainable milking machine cleaning systems.

Funding:  Sustainability Victoria - Sustainability Fund and the Gardiner Foundation.

Timeframe: July 2008 - June 2011

Contact: The project is being delivered by AgVet Projects on behalf of GippsDairy.  For more information contact Rob Greenall 0407 242033.

2.  MDF – Carbon Ready Dairy Demonstration

In May 2009 the Macalister Demonstration Farm made a successful application for a project to undertake a carbon emissions audit of the farm as a case study. The project is known as the ‘Carbon Ready Dairy Demonstration’ and will identify the source and size of carbon emissions generated by normal operations.  This information will then be used to develop a Carbon Emissions Reduction Plan that includes strategies to minimise and offset carbon emissions and an analysis of the financial impact of the plan on the farm business. The Carbon Emissions Reduction Plan will be completed by October 2010 with a review in March 2012 against any changes in the ‘rules’ for carbon emissions.

Funding: Australian Government Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry under its Australia’s Farming Future initiative

Contact: Neil Baker  MDF Project Coordinator (03) 51 411 712 or neilbaker@aapt.net.au 

3.  Extending Nutrient Management to Gippsland Dairy Farms

This project will develop & deliver regionally relevant materials for Gippsland dairy farmers about practical & innovative nutrient management on farm.  Practical solutions for fertiliser applications, effluent reuse, water savings and minimising nutrient losses off farm will be show cased.  The information will be presented in a pamphlet series.

Funding: Woolworths through Landcare Australia

Timeframe: Jan 2010 - December 2010

Contact: Dairying for Tomorrow Coordinator Gillian Hayman (03) 56832663 or ghayman@dcsi.net.au

4.  Climate Change Mitigation Focus Farm Project

The on-farm mitigation of greenhouse gases is a complex challenge for the dairy industry. This Focus Farm project will identify existing and emerging mitigation strategies to support dairy farmers, their surrounding communities and the wider industry, to more confidently understand and adopt mitigation activities and other climate change related farming methods.

Each of the 6 GippsDairy Focus Farms will conduct a greenhouse gas audit (using DGAS) and implement a reduction plans.

Funding: Woolworths through Landcare Australia via DairyNSW

Timeframe: October 2009 – July 2010

Contact: Annette Zurrer GippsDairy Project Director (03) 56243903 or gippsdairypd@dcsi.net.au