Partnership to build farmers’ business skills

Dairy Australia has teamed up with dairy processor Saputo Dairy Australia in a new partnership focusing on helping farmer suppliers build their farm business management skills.

SDA is encouraging its suppliers to sign up for Dairy Australia’s ‘‘Our Farm, Our Plan’’ business planning program, which provides a range of resources and a simple ‘‘now, where, how’’ planning cycle to assist dairy farms in identifying and achieve their long-term business and lifestyle goals.

Supplier relations director Anthony Cook said the company was committed to ensuring its farmer suppliers were supported with the tools they needed to be successful.

“Our Farm, Our Plan is assisting farmers in creating and maintaining a viable business plan,” Mr Cook said.

“We recognise the value of this initiative for farmers and the many benefits it can bring to their short and long-term farm business success.

“The partnership with DA reinforces our ongoing pledge to help build a sustainable dairy industry.”

Our Farm, Our Plan is supported by the Farm Fitness Checklist, an online self-assessment tool that helps dairy farmers evaluate their farm business performance anywhere, anytime.

Dairy Australia managing director David Nation welcomed the new partnership with SDA.

Building farm business skills and improving profitability is a key commitment of the Australian Dairy Plan.

“Our aim is for all dairy farms to have a long-term business plan in place within the next five years,” Dr Nation said.

“Our Farm, Our Plan provides a straightforward process for farms to identify and document their long-term goals, as well as better manage risk.

“It includes a one-on-one follow-up for farmers participating in the program over 24 months to support them to embed and implement their plans.”

SDA suppliers will receive information on Our Farm, Our Plan in coming weeks.

■ For more information about Our Farm, Our Plan and the Farm Business Checklist, visit:

dairyaustralia.com.au/OFOP