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Quarter of dairy farmers may quit
23 Jun 2004
One quarter of Australia's dairy farmers could be forced to leave the industry due to the lingering impact of the drought. A survey by Dairy Australia found that 15 per cent said they were unlikely to be on the land within three years and 10 per cent said they were unlikely to hold onto their properties. Eighty per cent of the nation's 11,000 dairy farmers said they were adversely affected by the drought, with milk production down 11 per cent and 55 per cent still to return to pre-drought levels. About 60 per cent of Australia's milk comes from farms with irrigation.
The survey found milk production in some regions fell 18 per cent due to the drought.
But for farmers staying on the land there are signs that a good season will bring better times. Milk production per cow is tipped to lift 6 per cent, but the greatest concern is prices, with many awaiting an improvement before committing themselves to lifting herd numbers and production.
News.com.au, 22/6/04.
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