Broadening the EMS Delivery Base (2007-2008).

The aim of this project was to broaden the industry EMS delivery base beyond its reliance on Regional Dairy Program (RDP) and state farming organisation facilitated delivery. The dairy industry recognises that sustainable delivery of NRM programs will require strong support from a wide range of service providers including milk companies and farm consultants.

High priority activities were:

•  Developing the NRM capacity of farm service providers to reinforce and promote profitable and sustainable farming practices.
• Involving Milk companies in the delivery of industry NRM programs.
• Expanding the Dairy Self Assessment Tool (DairySAT) to include climate change considerations.

Key outcomes included:

• Over 450 service providers (including milk company field officers, farm consultants, state and retail extension officers, bankers and fertiliser agency staff) participated in professional development NRM and climate change workshops. Of those service providers who have participated over 50% have asked for further information and indicated an interest or are already actively encouraging farmers to adopt EMS tools.
• Three milk companies have included DairySAT in their operations. Other milk companies have expressed an interest in adopting pathways to EMS tools.

The project has significantly increased the capacity of industry service providers to reinforce and promote profitable and sustainable farming practices. It has also increased service provider awareness of climate change and possible impacts on the Australian dairy industry, including a better understanding of dairy greenhouse gas emissions and possible abatement strategies.

A strong basis has been established for the ongoing delivery of EMS tools by the industry, particularly by milk companies and service providers.