Overview

The Dairy and Fodder Water for Profit program has recently finalised its round of funding with applications closing in December. The response of interest in the program was overwhelming. The team will provide further updates on activities for 2018 soon, which include a Centre Pivot course and Irrigation Specialist Groups. 

Dairy and Fodder Water for Profit (DFWP) program aims at assisting dairy farmers and commercial fodder producers* in Queensland to adopt improved water use practices along with improving water, energy and nutrient management practices.

The Dairy & Fodder Water for Profit (DFWP) program has been successful in securing a new round of funding (1 year September 2017 to June 2018) through the Queensland Government’s Department of Natural Resources and Mines, to build on the great results achieved in previous years. DFWP program is delivered through the Dairying Better 'n Better program (a QDO and Subtropical Dairy initative) in conjunction with Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. 

The program provides a range of services including:

• Extension services
• On farm system assessments
• Irrigation specialist groups
• Financial assistance scheme

Unlike previous rounds of the program, this project only runs for 1 year. Therefore, applications were open for funding will from 27th November 2017 until 6th December 2017. (Please note: you must receive an On Farm System Assessment prior to this date in order to meet the eligibility criteria outlined below.).

For more information on the program please view the Dairy & Fodder Water for Profit Flyer. If you wish to become involved in the program complete an EOI form (print form) (electronic form) and submit via:

• Email: dfwp@dairypage.com.au
• Fax: 07 3236 2956
• Post: DFWP, PO Box 193, Boonah Q 4310

*A commercial fodder producer is defined as deriving fifty percent (50%) or more of income through the sale of commercial fodder valued at a minimum of $100,000 OR utilising more than 100 ML of irrigation water annually to grow fodder which is sold for animal consumption

On Farm System Assessment (OFSA) Grant

The program offers producers with the opportunity to apply for assistance to receive an assessment of their irrigation or water reuse system through the On Farm System Assessment Grant.

Dairy farmers and fodder producers can access a grant of up to $1,500 (excluding GST) plus travel, per enterprise, in advisory services to have an assessment carried out on their farm, along with the provision of recommendations to improve their system. The grant can be accessed for either an irrigation system or water reuse (effluent) system. The assessments are carried out by an independent suitability qualified professional.

What’s included in an On-Farm System Assessment Report for Irrigation Systems

The on-farm system assessment involves a testing of the current irrigation system for its system performance including for water distribution, pumping efficiency and pump efficiency. In receiving the assessment, a farmer will be able to identified areas where the system can be improved and see the performance of their system in comparison to industry benchmarks and other irrigation systems.

What’s included in an On-Farm System Assessment Report for Water Reuse Systems

The on farm system assessment involves an assessment of the current system and its ability to perform the necessary functions. In receiving the assessment, a farmer will have a plan developed to effectively manage, capture and reuse effluent on farm.

More information is provided in the OFSA Grant Guidelines (click here). Applications for accessing a DFWP6 OFSA grant close 20th October 2017. In order to be access this you need to complete an OFSA Application Form (Form 2) and a Farm System Information Systems Form (Form A).  Please complete an EOI Form to access this service.

Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS)

A key component of the DFWP program is providing the opportunity to eligible dairy and fodder producers to apply for financial assistance to improve irrigation (12 available) and water reuse (eg. effluent reuse) (2 available), resulting in an increase in water, energy and other associated resource use efficiency. Please note: you can only access either an irrigation or a water reuse grant. You cannot access both!

The Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS) includes two grants: 
      i.    System Improvement Grant (Grant No.1) (up to a maximum of $5,000); and
      ii.    System Change Efficiency Achievement Grant (Grant No.2) (up to a maximum of $5,000 )

Grants are calculated at 50% of GST exclusive value of capital cost for eligible equipment (up to a combined maximum of $10,000).

Total funds for the Financial Assistance Scheme is limited and therefore projects will be assessed based on a set of criteria as agreed to by the DFWP Steering Committee. 

Applications opened from the 27th November 2017 til 6 December 2017. In order to be eligible for a FAS grant you must have an DFWP OFSA completed for you farm since January 2017. 

Please read the guidelines for more information.

The Dairy & Fodder Water for Profit program is funded through the Queensland Government's Department of Natural Resources and Mines' Rural Water Use Efficiency Irrigation Futures program.