South Coast & Highlands Dairy Industry Group

Role/Purpose

The South Coast and Highlands Dairy Industry Group (DIG) was formed in 1991 to:

  • Improve the lifestyle and profitability of dairy farmers by promoting and coordinating action on relevant industry issues of concern.
  • Fostering industry co-operation between milk producers, processors, regulators, advisors and researchers.
  • Maintain, encourage and develop dairy industry research and effective communication of results.

The original group consisted mostly of representative farmers from each of the Dairy Farmer Association sub-branches in the district, together with representatives from NSW Agriculture, NSW Dairy Corporation and Australian Co-operative Foods.

DIG became incorporated in 1992 and membership was enlarged by additional representation from the Dairy Women's Group, Future Dairy Leaders Group and local farmer regional discussion groups to reflect DIG’s changing role as a Regional Development Group with links in strategic direction and funding from Dairy NSW (formerly known as DIDCo).
 

Geographic Area

DIG’s boundaries are delineated by the boundaries of the five local Councils: Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama, Shoalhaven and Wingecarribee.
 

Activities

2011

  • Tours of Future Dairy Automatic Milking System at Camden in January and April
  • Cows Create Careers delivery to 15 local schools mid-late 2011
  • Silage Wrap Recycling Trial with Tapex Pty Ltd and Shoalhaven Recyclers
  • Dairy Pasture Topdressing Trial Project (Alternate Fertilisers)
  • Dairy NSW Environmental Trust Dairy Effluent Management Project

2010

  • Tour of Belanglo and Penrose State Forest December 2010 (compare industry issues)
  • Arrange forum for Members and RTA staff to discuss farm machinery usage on public roads
  • Rev Up Replacement Course local delivery
  • AI and Breeding Management training course
  • Focus on Fertility First project (Keeping the cow in the system)
  • Young Farmers Central West Tour (Dairy operations in Different Environments)

 

Regional Co-ordinator

Kerry Allan
Email: allandk@fastrac.net.au (checked daily)
Phone: 0401 015 670 (Thursdays only)