Lexi Webster
Dairy farming has been a part of Australia's story for over 200 years, and it is currently the third-largest rural industry in the country. Dairy farmers in Western Australia have been facing several challenges in recent years, including rising operational costs, labour shortages, unstable milk prices, and long hours with minimal downtime. Western Australia is home to approximately 135 dairy farms, with around 54,000 cows in total, producing about 350 million litres of milk each year. The industry is focused on maintaining and developing resilience, with a particular emphasis on the south-west region of the state, where most of the dairy farms are located.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of dairy farms | 112 (as of 2023) |
| Number of dairy farms (approx.) | 135 |
| Total herd size | 54,000 cows |
| Annual milk production | 350-364 million litres |
| Value of milk leaving farms | $190 million per annum |
| Percentage of Australia's total milk production | 4% |
| Number of dairy farms across Australia | 5,700 |
| Number of dairy farmers across Australia | 11,200 |
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What You'll Learn
- Western Australia's dairy industry is located in the southwest of the state
- There are around 112-160 dairy farms in Western Australia
- The state produces around 350-364 million litres of milk per year
- The Western Australian dairy industry is worth $190 million per year
- The industry is focused on maintaining and developing resilience
Western Australia's dairy industry is located in the southwest of the state
Dairy is one of Australia's most important rural industries, with a history spanning over 200 years. Western Australia, however, has a relatively small dairy industry compared to other states. The Western Australian dairy industry is located in the southwest of the state, specifically in three main areas: Harvey, Margaret River, and Denmark on the south coast. This region experiences high winter rainfall and dry summers, providing ideal conditions for dairy farming.
With approximately 135 dairy farms and 54,000 cows, the Western Australian dairy industry contributes significantly to the state's economy. The farms produce around 364 million litres of milk annually, accounting for four per cent of Australia's total milk production. The value of milk generated by these farms is approximately $190 million per year.
The processing sector of the industry is dominated by three key companies, along with several small businesses, including organic operations. The WAFarmers Dairy Council plays a crucial role in shaping regulations and laws to ensure the sustainability of the industry. As a state member of Australian Dairy Farmers Limited (ADF), WAFarmers aims to provide strong leadership and nationally coordinated policies and advocacy for the dairy sector.
The Dairy Council holds an annual conference and industry awards gala dinner, a key event for the Western Australian dairy industry. This conference addresses a range of issues impacting the industry and provides a platform for local farmers to connect with key processing companies. The Regional Roundabout initiative further strengthens these connections by visiting key dairying areas to meet with local dairy farmers.
Western Australia's dairy industry is committed to innovation and growth, as evidenced by the establishment of the WAFarmers Dairy Industry Fund in 2014. This fund supports projects that enhance productivity, profitability, performance, business growth, and diversity within the industry and its supply chain. With a focus on research and development, Western Australia's dairy sector continues to thrive and supply consumers with safe, healthy, and nutritious dairy products.
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There are around 112-160 dairy farms in Western Australia
Dairy is one of Australia's most important rural industries, producing about 8.8 billion litres of milk in 2022-23. The Western Australian dairy industry is located in the south-west of the state, around three main areas: Harvey, Margaret River, and Denmark on the south coast. There are around 112-160 dairy farms in Western Australia, with approximately 5,700 dairy farms spread across six states in Australia. Western Australia's dairy industry is relatively small, but it is reputed for its innovation and high-quality products. The state produces around 350-364 million litres of milk per annum, contributing four per cent of Australia's total milk production.
The number of registered dairy farms in Western Australia has been declining in recent years. Between 2014 and 2023, the number of registered dairy farms in the state dropped by 44. This decrease is part of a broader trend, as the number of dairy farms in Western countries has been falling while the acreage and herd sizes of these farms have increased. Despite the relatively small size of Western Australia's dairy industry, it plays a key role in the economy of local regions. The Western Australian Farmers Federation (WAFF) and the WAFarmers Dairy Council are committed to working in the policy field to ensure the sustainability of the industry. They aim to shape the regulations and laws that govern dairy businesses and support local farmers.
The WAFF holds an annual conference and industry awards gala dinner, a key event on the dairy calendar for Western Australia. The conference includes keynote speakers on issues impacting the industry and a processor discussion panel, allowing local farmers to engage with representatives of key processing companies. The WAFarmers Dairy Industry Fund was also formed in 2014 to fund innovative projects and support people in improving productivity, profitability, performance, business growth, and diversity in the WA dairy industry and its supply chain.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has a dairy program focused on maintaining and developing a resilient industry. The department collaborates with producers, processors, and peak industry bodies to deliver research and development programs aimed at improving profitability and reducing the industry's environmental footprint. The WA Government is also working with the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund as part of the Farm Business Resilience program to create opportunities for pastoralists and farmers.
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The state produces around 350-364 million litres of milk per year
Western Australia is home to a thriving dairy industry, with approximately 150 dairy farmers contributing to the state's milk production. These farmers are responsible for a significant contribution to the state's agriculture sector, as the state produces an impressive 350-364 million litres of milk annually.
This volume of milk is a testament to the hard work and dedication of Western Australia's dairy farmers, who often work tirelessly to maintain the health and productivity of their herds. It also reflects the favourable conditions that the state offers for dairy farming. With lush, green pastures and a mild climate, Western Australia provides an ideal environment for dairy cows to graze and produce milk.
The state's dairy industry is predominantly located in the south-west region, where the majority of dairy farms are situated. This region benefits from a combination of rich soil, ample rainfall, and a temperate climate, creating optimal conditions for dairy farming. The south-west's proximity to major population centres also facilitates the efficient distribution of milk and dairy products to consumers across the state.
The 350-364 million litres of milk produced each year in Western Australia plays a crucial role in meeting the state's domestic demand for dairy products. It ensures a steady supply of fresh, locally produced milk for Western Australian consumers. Additionally, the state's dairy industry contributes to export markets, particularly in Asia, further emphasising the quality and competitiveness of Western Australian dairy on a global scale.
To maximise the productivity of their herds, Western Australian dairy farmers implement a range of innovative farming practices. These practices include utilising advanced breeding techniques, adopting sustainable farming methods, and embracing new technologies to optimise milk yield and quality. By staying at the forefront of dairy farming advancements, Western Australian farmers are able to maintain and even exceed the high standards expected of their industry.
In summary, the state of Western Australia's dairy industry is a robust and vital sector, with its annual milk production of 350-364 million litres serving as a cornerstone of the state's agricultural strength. This impressive output is a direct result of the dedication of its dairy farmers, the favourable environmental conditions, and the adoption of modern farming practices. By continuing to uphold these high standards, Western Australia's dairy industry is well-positioned to sustain its contribution to the state's economy and the enjoyment of dairy products for consumers near and far.
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The Western Australian dairy industry is worth $190 million per year
Dairy is one of Australia's most important rural industries, with a long history of over 200 years. Dairy farming in Western Australia is located in the southwest of the state, particularly in three main areas: Harvey, Margaret River, and Denmark on the south coast. With approximately 135 dairy farms and a total herd size of 54,000 cows, the Western Australian dairy industry is worth $190 million per year. This figure represents the value of milk leaving farms, contributing four per cent of Australia's total milk production.
Western Australia's dairy industry plays a vital role in the local economy, with a processing sector dominated by three key companies and several small businesses, including organic operations. The industry's sustainability is a key focus for the WAFarmers Dairy Council, which actively shapes regulations and policies affecting dairy businesses. The council also hosts an annual conference and industry awards gala dinner, providing a platform for local farmers to engage with key processing companies and discuss relevant issues.
The Western Australian dairy industry is part of a broader national context, with approximately 5,800 dairy farms across Australia in 2018-19, a 47% decrease from 2000-01. The total value of capital of Australian dairy farms has seen significant growth, with a 43% increase from 2000-01 to 2018-19, driven mainly by increasing average farm sizes. The industry's exports are valued at $3.3 billion, contributing to its overall economic impact.
Dairy Australia, the industry-owned national service organization, plays a crucial role in the sector's development. It has eight Regional Development Programs catering to local dairy farmer needs across various regions, including Western Australia. The Rural Research and Development (R&D) for Profit program also boosts funding for strategic research, delivering outcomes for Australian dairy producers. The industry's sustainability and profitability are further supported by the Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) through its advocacy and policy efforts.
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The industry is focused on maintaining and developing resilience
Dairy is one of Australia's most important rural industries, and Western Australia is committed to maintaining and developing the resilience of its dairy industry. Dairy farming has been a part of Australia's story for over 200 years, growing from small family farms into a thriving industry.
The Western Australian dairy industry is located in the southwest of the state, with farms mainly found along the west coast south of Perth to Albany. The industry is focused on maintaining and developing resilience by addressing the challenges faced by dairy farmers. These challenges include rising operational costs, labour shortages, unstable milk prices, changing consumer preferences, long working hours with minimal downtime, and the impact of climate change, including droughts and floods.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development in Western Australia has a dairy program aimed at improving profitability and reducing the industry's environmental footprint. They collaborate with producers, processors, and peak industry bodies to deliver research and development programs. The state government is also working with the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund as part of the Farm Business Resilience program to create opportunities for farmers and address the impact of climate change.
The WAFarmers Dairy Council is committed to working in the policy field to ensure the sustainability of the dairy industry in Western Australia. They aim to shape the regulations and laws that govern dairy businesses. The council holds an annual conference and industry awards gala dinner, which is a key event for the dairy industry in the state. The WAFarmers Dairy Industry Fund was also formed in 2014 to fund innovative projects to improve the productivity, profitability, and performance of the WA dairy industry.
Western Australia's dairy industry is known for its innovation and high-quality products, and it is focused on transforming to meet the increasing demand for high-quality dairy products in Asian markets.
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Frequently asked questions
There are approximately 135 dairy farms in Western Australia, according to a 2021 report. However, by the 2023 Australian financial year-end, the number of registered dairy farms had dropped to 112.
The total herd size in Western Australia is 54,000 cows.
Western Australia produces around 350-364 million litres of milk per year, contributing about 4% of Australia's total milk production.
There are 11,200 dairy farmers in Australia, with 5,700 dairy farms spread across six states: Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania, and Western Australia.
