A study tour to New Zealand could lead to new-look regenerative and sustainable farming practices being trialled in south-west Victoria.
Local farmers and Heytesbury District Landcare Network representatives have recently returned from the study tour funded by the DemoDAIRY Foundation with fresh ideas that could be adopted locally.
Three HDLN representatives focused on regenerative or sustainable dairying practices, including practices that reduce emissions or improve nutrient management and waterway health.
HDLN landcare coordinator Michelle Leech said the regen group had the opportunity to speak to a number of different researchers working on innovative projects.
“It was learning opportunity after learning opportunity, and we were most excited about the connections we made,” Michelle said.
“Having that opportunity to discuss what they’re doing and to create that connection to help figure out how we might apply those innovations locally is invaluable.”
The HDLN regen team visited the South Island Dairy Event and looked at bale grazing on a farm at Hororata, various grazing management techniques and multispecies seed blends at GGW Seeds Kimihia Research Centre and the Massey University Whenua Haumanu project.
The representatives will meet soon to review ideas that could be trialled or applied locally and report to the DemoDAIRY Foundation.
While impressed with the level of innovation in NZ, they found Australia leading in some areas.
“It was nice to see how they are innovating, but we also found some things that we are doing really well in Australia compared to NZ,” Michelle said.
Tony Evans from Camperdown Compost and soil consultant Jade Killoran from Healthy Farming Systems joined Michelle on the tour and said it had been a valuable mix of knowledge finding and relationship building.
Mr Evans, who is also a DemoDAIRY Foundation board member, said the regen group would get together to work out what could be considered for local trial work.
“It may not be anything straight away, but we intend to keep in contact with the researchers and at some stage something will be suitable for on-farm commercial trials,” he said.
“That’s where opportunities will open up for DemoDAIRY Foundation to assist with field trial work.
“DemoDAIRY Foundation is about incentivising innovation and always looking for ways to support a sustainable and profitable future for the dairy industry.”
DemoDAIRY Foundation supported and organised the tour. For more information, visit: https://www.demodairy.com.au