Growing up on a beef enterprise in southern New South Wales is where my love for agriculture and growing food first began. After completing a Bachelor of Agricultural Science and a Masters of Agribusiness at Melbourne University, I spent time in research and extension with Agriculture Victoria, including in Gippsland’s dairy region. Today, as Dairy Australia’s National Lead for Soils and Water, I focus on soil health, irrigation practices and nutrient management – helping farmers be more profitable and sustainable.
Why Dairy Australia invests in biodiversity
As dairy farmers face rising input costs, environmental considerations, and growing interest in multispecies forages, Dairy Australia recognises that soil and pasture biodiversity can be a powerful lever for farm productivity.
We invest in research, tools, and events that provide practical strategies for farmers wanting to improve soil health and function and reduce synthetic inputs – while maintaining or increasing profitability.
Our focus is on ensuring that ‘producing more with less’ becomes an achievable reality for Australian dairy businesses.
Many farmers are seeking ways to improve soil health while maintaining yields, especially as fertiliser prices fluctuate. Traditionally, fertiliser has been applied to boost production and, while nutrients will always be needed, there’s increasing demand for better approaches.
Biodiversity offers a way to strengthen pastures naturally, potentially reducing reliance on synthetic fertilisers and therefore lowering input costs.
Greatest opportunities for farmers
The greatest opportunities for farmers lie in several key areas. First, focusing on healthy soils and resilient yields by improving soil structure, organic matter, and applying balanced nutrients can lead to better-quality pasture without simply increasing inputs.
Another opportunity is to start small and scale up by trialling practices such as multispecies sowing, compost or effluent application, or adjusted grazing in limited areas before implementing them farm-wide, using real data to inform decisions.
Matching inputs to needs is also essential, particularly with fluctuating fertiliser costs. Workshops such as Fertsmart and nutrient management tools can help ensure input rates align with genuine pasture requirements.
Finally, staying curious and collaborative is crucial, as farmers can learn from each other’s successes and setbacks. Sharing knowledge, whether through a neighbour’s trial, a consultant’s advice, or new research, accelerates the adoption of effective practices.
Highlights from Grounds for Growth
To build momentum and share knowledge, Dairy Australia launched the Grounds for Growth event in Warrnambool, Victoria. Held in March, Grounds for Growth focused on the adoption of multispecies pastures and other practices to improve soil health and function.
This first-of-its-kind event brought together local and international biodiversity experts alongside farmer experiences and industry research to equip farmers with valuable insights to make informed decisions with long-term benefits.
We explored several key projects that test how innovative farming practices – ranging from multispecies swards to regenerative methods – can optimise production, soil health, and profitability.
We heard from farmers who trialled multiple forage species, compost, and effluent in place of chemical fertilisers – sharing what worked and what needed rethinking.
An Irish dairy farmer, Gillian O’Sullivan, highlighted how multispecies can succeed even on shallow soils, illustrating that these concepts aren’t limited by geography.
Consultant Cam Nicholson’s guidance on testing changes in smaller, lower-performing paddocks first resonated with many at the event. By starting small and analysing the data, farmers can scale up confidently if the results meet their production and financial goals.
The candid farmer-led panel discussions were an event highlight, revealing practical realities, such as balancing deeper-rooted perennial herbs with legumes and grasses to improve soil structure and nutrient cycling, and clarifying how each farm’s unique context influences decisions.
The Grounds for Growth event confirmed my long-held belief: what’s good for the environment can also be good for business.
These efforts help to expand our collective knowledge and ensure Australia’s dairy industry thrives for generations to come.
Dairy Australia continues to invest in research projects, as well as collaborate and deliver on multi-agency initiatives, such as the upcoming soil health framework led by the Grains Research and Development Corporation.
For more information, visit Soils & Water | Dairy Australia.
