Mid Coast Dairy Advancement Group
General Meeting & AGM
Thursday - 14 December 2023 - 10a
Morning Tea/Lunch Provided - please RSVP for catering
Ben Clarke & Abbey Smeets Dairy - Moorland NSW
This meeting we'll look at their new feed pad and calf barn
This is also the AGM - you can vote on the day or via this link (dairy farmers only):
https://midcoastdags.com.au/Sys/Poll/48464
Please take the time to nominate and vote - we need your involvment to continue to provide services that meet your needs
Important Message from MCDAGs Deputy Chair, Tim Bale:
Why every dairy farmer should take an interest in Mid Coast DAGs
Local dairy farmer and DAGs Commi4ee member Tim Bale is calling on dairy farmers to consider the important role the Mid Coast Dairy Advancement Group (DAGs) has. played in their own experiences of dairy farming.
“What has the dairy industry given you over the years?” says Tim. “Where has it come from and who instagated these activities? Who shines a light on the Mid Coast as an important dairying area?”
Did you know Dairy NSW recognises DAGs as the most active regional group in NSW? Unfortunately, this could change if local farmers don’t step in and become involved in this important volunteer group.
Mid Coast DAGs started out as the Manning Dairy Advancement Group more than 30 years ago, even before Dairy NSW existed. It was recognised at the time that a standalone dairy group was necessary, not as a political group but as an active farmer-driven group to advance dairying in the Manning Valley.
Tim says: “This was well before deregulation, and we started out with tours to look at new methods outside our area.”
As a result of this, the Manning Dairy Advancement Group brought to the local area such advancements as:
- bike shift irrigation
- round bale silage
- cost comparisons
- improved effluent management
“When Dairy Australia funds became available, we put projects forward to fund these ideas and brought our levies back to us,” says Tim.
“Then, when numbers declined, we expanded to become Mid Coast DAGs including Gloucester and Kempsey. Now we are the most active regional group in NSW and will soon have a locally based extension officer employed by Dairy NSW.”
Like many volunteer groups, MCDAGs is struggling to attract new committee members and the same long- term volunteers are still ensuring the group can continue to advance dairying in the region. The group is calling on local farmers to consider becoming involved, with a reminder that many hands make lighter work, and new faces would be warmly welcomed.
“I encourage farmers to think back on events, courses, field days, dinners, trips you have attended - who organised these events or more importantly made sure these events occurred locally?” says Tim.
“Recently our fantastic Chair Luke Cleary has resigned because he is busy and needs to concentrate on his home farm. Of course, we are all busy, but Luke believed he should be involved and give something back and he has done a great job in this role. Simon Scowen has stepped up to take on the role, albeit temporarily – however we will be looking for a new Chair at our AGM.”
“Why not find out what’s going on outside your farm and contribute your ideas for what local dairy farmers need? You don’t need to be the business owner to be involved with DAGs, and of course younger farmers are very welcome. You only need to give the time you can afford but please consider becoming involved. We are in a great industry, run by great people - an industry I still believe in after 40 odd years.”
“Everyone is busy, but the more we work together and unite, the more opportunites there will be for growth.” - Dairy Committee Member
"I have personally gained a lot of advancement from my involvement with the group. I would otherwise have been extremely isolated and left in the dark about opportunities and ideas.” - Dairy Committee Member
DAGs is a member-based group made up of all dairy farmers in the region.
We can only be as good as our dairy farmers make it - your participation is what drives DAGs strategy, please take the time to come and represent yourself.
