An innovative dairy research development project with the potential to unlock millions of dollars in increased profits for Victorian farmers today received a $1.3 million boost from the Andrews Labor Government.
Announcing the funding at the Gardiner Foundation lunch today, Minister for Agriculture, Jaala Pulford, said the Labor Government was delighted to partner with the Gardiner Dairy Foundation to deliver their $3.3 million ImProving Herds project.
ImProving Herds, which is also funded through The Gardiner Dairy Foundation’s Animal Performance Challenge Round, includes genetic and genomic evaluations of farm testing aimed at increasing profits in the dairy industry.
The project, which is also funded through The Gardiner Dairy Foundation’s Animal Performance Challenge Round, and supported by Dairy Australia and other key dairy industry organisations, will provide new growth opportunities to Victoria’s 4200 dairy farm businesses.
It will demonstrate how innovative science including genetic and genomic evaluations, on farm testing and data driven decision-making delivers increased profits to dairy farmers.
The Victorian Government has had a long-standing relationship with the Gardiner Dairy Foundation, having worked in unison on a number of successful projects, including the Feed Saved breeding value, created by genetic research and developed through the Lifetime Profitability Project.
Now farmers can select for feed efficiency, using this simple genetic test, with Australian farmers being first in the world to have access to this tool.
Victoria’s $2.4 billion dairy industry represents 85 per cent of the nation’s dairy exports and projects like this are an exceptional example of what Victoria, and ultimately Australia, has to offer the world.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford
“Victoria’s dairy industry has a bright future under the Andrews Labor Government.”
“This cutting-edge project has the potential to unlock millions of dollars in farmer profits.”
“We’re delighted to partner with the Gardiner Dairy Foundation to support our dairy industry to innovate, grow and prosper.”
Reviewed 10 February 2021