Organic dairy farm’s surprising results during Victoria’s harsh drought

Third-generation dairy farmer Simon Scott says switching to organic methods helped his farm survive the worst drought in his 30-year career.

Organic dairy farmer Simon Scott at Barongarook West. Picture: Zoe Phillips

After 30 years farming at Barongarook West near Colac, Simon Scott says this year delivered the worst seasonal conditions he’s experienced.

But the third-generation dairy farmer credits his shift to organic and regenerative practices six years ago for helping him weather the drought better than when he farmed conventionally.

With average rainfall down by half until July, Simon’s 315ha operation faced its biggest test since transitioning to organics.

“I was planning to milk an extra 50 cows this year, which I didn’t do – I’m down 20, so 10 per cent,” Simon said, adding he also sold his 60-head beef herd in autumn to prioritise feed for dairy cows.

“We’ve got grass under the cows now that we haven’t had for five months.

“The multi-species pastures have survived better than straight ryegrass and bounced back quicker.”

His diverse pasture mix includes fescue, cocksfoot, phalaris, chicory and plantain – a formula that took five years to perfect through local studies.

University of Melbourne researchers later documented the benefits, finding improved feed production and quality in summer and autumn.

“We had more feed and got a lot more growth than off ryegrass paddocks,” he said.

“We finished milk production only down about 5 per cent – I thought it might be down about 20 per cent.”

Currently milking 185 Jersey and crossbred cows producing 480kg of milk solids at 5 per cent butterfat and 3.5 per cent protein, Simon plans to rebuild numbers to 280 cows over the next two years.

His organic price premium through Kyvalley Dairy helped cushion input cost pressures, with Simon receiving an increase of 90 cents per kilogram in line with industry averages.

“Being organic has helped us through this dry time better than when we were conventional,” he said.

“We’re more resilient now.”

Running lower stocking rates and avoiding synthetic fertilisers reduced pressure during feed shortages, but Simon still faced expensive hay and electricity costs.

“It is a different cost structure being organic,” he said.

“We tend to produce a lot more homegrown feed per cow because it’s a lower stocking rate.

“You run on a different price and production per hectare too.

“We’ll stick with the organics – I prefer the system.”

Looking ahead, Simon expects continued milk supply shortages after widespread culling, but remains optimistic about fodder availability and plans to grow oats and vetch for hay security.

“You’ve got to be flexible – adjust to the conditions, adjust stocking rates and take opportunities to cut hay or milk more cows,” he said.