Link to: Why DFMC
FNQ Dairy Pathways
Far North Queensland Dairy Pathways project will provide innovative pathways for next generation dairy farmers to farm ownership.
Locals who care deeply about seeing dairy thrive in FNQ are being sought to ensure the project is led by those who know and understand the region’s farming potential.
These Pathway Leaders will be farmers, businesspeople, industry or community leaders, who will be provided training and mentorship.
They will jumpstart the development of community-led investment model, drawing on the learnings and success of the locally-driven dairy investment program through Circular Head Farming in Tasmania.
Drawing on lessons learned
Founded by local farmer Stephen Fisher in 2014, Circular Head Farming raises funds from local investors to buy farms and then gets keen next generation farmers to run them. Over time, these sharefarmers can raise their own cows and eventually buy a stake in the farm. To date Circular Head Farming involves 12 farms and more than 9000 cows.
For more details on the Circular Head Farms model and operations click on the link below
Link to: Refrigeration Scheme
Supporting dairy in the north to thrive
Dairying in FNQ is at a crossroads. Reflecting agriculture generally, the traditional pathways to farm ownership are under pressure.
But with the right support and local leadership, community investment can provide new options for people to enter and grow in dairy in FNQ.
Dairy Farmers Milk Cooperative, Cultivate Farms and Circular Head Farming Group are collaborating to help the local FNQ community develop a scalable, community-led investment model that promotes sustainable, locally owned dairy farms.