Precision dairy farming in Australasia: adoption, risks and opportunities
J. Jago A E , C. Eastwood B , K. Kerrisk C and I. Yule D
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A DairyNZ, Corner of Ruakura and Morrinsville Roads, Private Bag 3221, Hamilton, New Zealand.
B Melbourne School of Land and Environment, The University of Melbourne, Vic. 3010, Australia.
C MC Franklin Laboratory (CO4) The University of Sydney, Private Mailbag 4003, Narellan, NSW 2567, Australia.
D New Zealand Centre for Precision Agriculture, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
E Corresponding author. Email: jenny.jago@dairynz.co.nz
Animal Production Science 53(9) 907-916 https://doi.org/10.1071/AN12330
Submitted: 19 September 2012 Accepted: 22 March 2013 Published: 28 May 2013
Abstract
Dairy farm management has historically been based on the experiential learning and intuitive decision-making skills of the owner-operator. Larger herds and increasingly complex farming systems, combined with the availability of new information technologies, are prompting an evolution to an increasingly data-driven ‘precision dairy’ (PD) management approach. Automation and the collection of fine-scale data on animals and farm resources via precision technologies can facilitate enhanced efficiency and decision making on dairy farms. The proportion of dairy farmers using this approach is relatively small (between 10 and 20% of farmers); however, industry trends suggest a continual increase in the use of precision technologies. Australasian PD farms have reported both positive and negative stories regarding the approach but to date there has been little industry attention or co-ordination in Australia or New Zealand. A series of workshops was held in late 2011 between industry-good representatives, researchers and farmers, from Australia and New Zealand, to discuss the opportunities and risks associated with PD. To take advantage of the emerging PD opportunity the trans-Tasman workshop group suggested five focus areas including: industry-good co-ordination and leadership in precision dairy; working to define the on- and off-farm value of PD; improving the technology available to farmers; integration of PD within farming systems for improved management; and developing learning and training initiatives for farmers and service providers. Action in these focus areas will enable future dairy farmers to implement the PD approach with enhanced confidence and effectiveness.
Additional keywords: dairy system evolution, farm management, information technology.
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