TFGA Dairy Council Chairman Andrew Lester: Tasmanian dairy farmers bubbling along

The latest survey of the Australian dairy industry confirms that Tasmanian farmers are cock-a-hoop, riding high on the back of better farm gate prices and export opportunities.

In fact, according to Dairy Australia’s survey of farmer sentiment, our farmers, the nation’s second biggest producers with nine per cent of national production, have the most optimistic outlook of all.

Nationally, dairy farmer confidence has improved markedly in the last 12 months, with 75 per cent positive about the future of the industry. That compares with 43 per cent this time last year. That improvement is attributable to higher farm gate milk prices since August last year, the drop in the Australian dollar and more favorable seasonal conditions.

“In Tasmania’s case, we are way up, 91 per cent. The figures provide a light on the hill for an economy otherwise in the doldrums,” Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association Dairy Council Chairman Andrew Lester said today.

Tasmania has about 440 dairy farms with 1000 employees. Their 120,000 cattle produce more 760 million litres of milk every year.

The Dairy Australia survey found:

91 per cent of Tasmanian dairy farmers are positive about the industry;
68 per cent made a profit in 2012/13;
84 per cent anticipate a profit this year;
45 per cent plan capital investment in the next year;
the state herd is expected to grow by 5.1 per cent this year;
production should increase 9.2 per cent.
Interestingly, the average Tasmanian dairy farmer is 51 years old, works on the family farm, irrigates, has a seasonal calving system and is 80 per cent likely to encourage family members to continue the tradition.

“That is an important finding since a growing issue for Tasmanian dairy farmers is finding labour,” Mr Lester said.

“Yet these findings show that if you want a safe, rewarding, skilled or semi-skilled job in Tasmania, think farming.”
Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association Dairy Council Chairman Andrew Lester