About

DairySA

South Australia

South Australian dairy farms have a long history of quality dairy produce, high productivity and innovative dairy practices. SA milk is highly valued by processors for its quality and record high butterfat and protein values. 

There are more than 200 dairy farms in South Australia, clustered amongst the Adelaide Hills, Barossa Mid-North, Fleurieu, Lower Murray and South East.

Each region features a unique set of climatic conditions, natural resources, infrastructure, processing, service industries and growth capabilities, and thus face different challenges and opportunities.

SA produced about 489 million litres of milk in 2018–19.

South East

This region produces over 60% of SA's milk and is regarded as the primary dairy production area of the state. It is predominantly supported by summer irrigated pastures.

River and Lakes

Hit hard in the past by drought and severe water restrictions, the River and Lakes regional dairy community is extremely resilient. The region is paving the way towards a more flexible and profitable style of dairying.

Fleurieu Peninsula and Adelaide Hills

The Fleurieu Peninsula and Adelaide Hills region is a predominantly dryland dairy farming area contracting in farm numbers but holding in cow numbers and milk production. While increasingly under threat from urban sprawl and competing land use, the farmers in the region remain committed to quality milk and herd production.

Barossa Mid North

Perhaps better known for its wine and crop production, there is a thriving dairy industry in the Barossa and Mid North region, based on dryland systems. Milk production has increased in recent years as these farmers actively aim to develop their production skills and feeding regimes.

What is DairySA?

DairySA is one of eight Australian dairy regional teams. Funded by Dairy Australia and the dairy service levy, DairySA delivers regional information and activities that support South Australian farm profitability and sustainability.

DairySA is committed to delivering regionally focused, farmer driven, practical activities and information to support farm profitability and sustainability across South Australia.

DairySA supports the profitability of farms, the capability of dairy farmers and on-farm staff and the performance and production of dairy herds.

Some roles of DairySA include:

• Providing funding for research, development, education and extension (RDE&E) activities in SA
• Developing projects and workshops based on dairy farmers’ feedback
• Managing specific RDE&E projects for South Australian dairy farmers
• Coordinating events
• Seeking leverage funds to ensure the dairy service levy is maximised in South Australia.

DairySA is governed by a Board of Directors. Dairy farmers form the majority of the DairySA Board, with industry specialists making up the balance.

DairySA has a dedicated team of part-time staff working to bring up-to-date practical information, innovative programs and the latest research to SA's dairy farmers. They are based in rural areas across the state.