Dairy intensification and climate change adaptation, impacts on profit, risk and people

The impacts of climate change including extreme events have been seen in all Australian dairying regions.

The Dairy Businesses for Future Climates is exploring 'possible futures' or development options for dairy farm business systems. It will consider biophysical, economic and social implications of pursuing these 'possible futures' allowing farmers and industry to assess opportunities and risks.

This project provides an opportunity to update existing industry climate modelling tools to include extreme events and project future climate scenarios on three case study farms within Tasmania, South Australia and Gippsland.

Economic modelling will allow researchers, industry and farmers to understand the financial implications of climate change including extreme events and pursuing different pathways for the future. Social implications of these farm development options including regional, business and personal considerations will also be explored.

The project involves not only an integrated research team but also regional working groups. This ensures that the best science can be applied to practical farm and regional situations in a meaningful way.