The Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture is adapting the way it engages with farmers to ensure important information-sharing activities can continue despite COVID-19.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The TIA Dairy Extension Team host regular discussion groups on commercial dairy farms around Tasmania, providing an opportunity for dairy farmers to come together to discuss current topics, hear about the latest TIA research and learn from each other. Due to the current restrictions, these groups have switched to an online platform (Zoom) to provide an opportunity for farmers to continue to engage with each other. TIA dairy extension team Leader Lesley Irvine said the change to an online format had received a positive response. About 30 participants have engaged in each of the first two online discussions.
"Discussion groups keep everyone in touch about what's going on in the industry and current trends. We've found that engagement initiatives like this are most important when industry are facing challenges so that farmers know they are not alone in the issues they are facing," Ms Irvine said.
"The online discussion groups are a great way for dairy farmers to find out what's happening at the farm down the road and to keep in contact with people they would usually see at industry events. Recent discussions have included farmer experiences growing maize in Tasmania, how farmers are adapting to COVID-19, and preparing for a predicted wet winter.
Blumont Dairy, which is located near Scottsdale, farm manager John Leech said he was enthusiastic about the switch.
"I try to attend as many discussion groups as possible as it's a great way to get information, find out how other farmers are doing things and to bounce ideas. Being new to the area it's been a great way to spark ideas and we have some good ideas to implement in the future," Mr Leech said.
"It's been good to continue these discussions online and I've actually been able to attend more frequently because there's no travel time, and you can easily join the discussions from home. It would be great to see an online discussion group continue."
Technology was also embraced by Dairy Tasmania and TIA when announcing the winners of the communication to announce the winners of the Tasmanian Dairy Business of the Year and Share Farmer of the Year Awards. Discussion groups are conducted as part of the Dairy HIGH project, which is funded by Dairy Australia and TIA. TIA is a joint venture between the University of Tasmania and the Tasmanian Government.
- To find out more about the Dairy Discussion Groups, contact Lesley Irvine on 0428 880 287.
