eastAUSmilk has welcomed the announcement of further assistance for farmers in south-east Queensland who were impacted by Tropical Cyclone Alfred in March.
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Previously category C support was announced, allowing farmers to claim up to $25,000 in costs to repair damage from the cyclone. This has now been increased to category D support, with farmers able to claim up to $75,000.
This assistance is in line with the funding available to dairy farmers in the mid-north coast of NSW from flooding that occurred in May this year.
“The costs of rebuilding from extreme weather events are often very high when all costs and lost income are taken into account,” eastAUSmilk president Joe Bradley said.
“The announcement of category D is very welcome news and will allow farmers to properly rebuild after the devastation felt by some dairy farmers.”
Re-accredited for China exports
Australian semen and embryos will soon be exported to China for the first time in more than four years.
Genetics Australia, including subsidiary Total Livestock Genetics, has been granted official re-accreditation to export bovine semen and embryos to China, re-opening a potentially huge market for Australian genetics.
A start date for the resumption of exports is yet to be confirmed and it is expected that most exports will initially be beef genetics.
The previous accreditation ended in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to this, China was Genetics Australia’s biggest export market.
GA export manager Rob Derksen said it was too early to predict quantities, but China ending the significant trade with the United States should create big opportunities.
“We see most promise and most interest initially in beef but there should also be opportunities for dairy,” he said.
High protein milk launched
Hunt And Brew has launched its innovative one-litre Extra Protein Milk, which has hit shelves in Coles stores nationwide.
The new high-protein milk is a game-changer for the dairy aisle, with the low-fat milk packing 16 grams of dairy protein per 250ml serve, offering 80 per cent more protein than regular milk — the highest amount of protein of any dairy milk currently on the market in Australia.
“Recognising a distinct opportunity to innovate within the traditional dairy milk category, we developed our new premium high-protein milk to meet the growing consumer demand for convenient, clean, and natural ways to boost protein intake,” Hunt and Brew senior brand manager Jake Calabrese said.
“This launch is about reinvigorating the dairy milk sector. While plant-based alternatives have surged ahead, innovation in fresh, white milk has remained largely stagnant.”
The milk is sourced from farms in the Margaret River and surrounding south-west region of Western Australia.
Global leader arrives in Australia
Tineke Jehu of Total Livestock Genetics and Leah Stauber of Trans Ova Genetics at Camperdown.
Trans Ova Genetics, a global leader in bovine reproductive technologies, has launched in Australia in conjunction with Total Livestock Genetics.
Trans Ova says Australian dairy and beef producers will benefit from the advanced IVF technologies developed by the US-based company.
Since the beginning of the year, Trans Ova has been working closely with the team at Total Livestock Genetics to integrate its systems into the Camperdown facility.
“We are pleased that Genetics Australia will be collaborating to bring the Trans Ova brand and technology to Australia,” Genetics Australia chief executive officer Anthony Shelly said.
Trans Ova is internationally recognised for its animal husbandry and reproductive expertise. The company operates through an integrated network of regional centres, satellite locations, and on-farm services.
More water for Tassie farmers
Less than a year into construction, Tasmania’s Northern Midlands Irrigation Scheme project has reached a major milestone, with 50 per cent of pipes now in the ground.
Once complete, the pipeline will help deliver 25.5 billion litres of water each year to farms in the Cressy, Epping Forrest, Campbell Town and Ross districts, covering an area of more than 7000 hectares.
This increased water supply will help drive economic growth in the Northern Midlands region, with a $184 million boost to farming revenue and $54 million boost to Tasmania’s economy.
Early works have also progressed on the construction of supporting pump stations and balance tanks.
The Northern Midlands Irrigation Scheme project is being delivered by Tasmanian Irrigation, with funding from the Federal Government, Tasmanian Irrigation and the Tasmanian Government. It is expected to be completed in late 2026.
New face on Gardiner board
Matt Watt has been appointed to the Gardiner Foundation Board.
Matt Watt, a senior agribusiness executive and long-standing advocate for Australian dairy, has been appointed to the Gardiner Foundation Board as a director representing dairy manufacturing and processing.
Mr Watt is currently director of farm source and sustainabilty at Fonterra Oceania, where he leads milk sourcing, sustainability and farmer engagement. He is a member of Fonterra’s executive leadership team and has more than 15 years’ experience in the dairy industry.
He also serves in leadership roles with the Australian Dairy Industry Council and the Australian Dairy Products Federation.
“I’m honoured to join the Gardiner Foundation Board and contribute to an organisation that plays such a vital role in shaping the future of Victorian dairy,” Mr Watt said.
“With deep roots in the industry, I’m passionate about creating lasting value for farmers, processors and regional communities. I look forward to working with the board and stakeholders to support a vibrant and sustainable dairy sector.”
