Overview

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.

DFWP program is delivered by QDO in conjunction with Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. The program is supported by funding through the Queensland Government’s Department Natural Resources and Mines.

The program provides a range of services including:

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

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 and submit via:

• Email: dfwp@dairypage.com.au
• Fax: 07 3236 2956
• Post: DFWP, QDO, PO Box 13061, George St Brisbane Q 4003

*Commercial fodder producers are defined as a fodder producer that grows and sells more than $100,000 of fodder or utilising more than 100ML 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).

If you would like to apply for an On-Farm System Assessment Grant please complete an EOI form and return to QDO by one of the following means:

• Email: dfwp@dairypage.com.au 
• Fax: 07 3236 2956
• Post: DFWP, QDO, PO Box 13061, George St Brisbane Q 4003

Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS)

A key component of the DFWP program was providing the opportunity to eligible dairy and fodder producers to apply for financial assistance to improve irrigation, and water reuse (including effluent reuse) systems, which result in an increase in water, energy and other associated resource use efficiency.

Unfortunately due to a high level of demand, all the available FAS Grants have now been allocated. The program still have the opportunity for dairy and fodder producers to be engaged in the program through a subsidised grant for an On Farm System Assessment (OFSA).

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.