subtropical dairy
Subtropical Dairy is one of eight regional teams established by Dairy Australia in the 1990s.
We drive innovation in research and extension and work to guide the strategy and implementation of dairy research, dairy education and promotion programs across the region.
Who we are
Subtropical Dairy is a not-for-profit research, development, extension and education company, limited by guarantee. It is led by a skills-based board elected by subtropical dairy farmers.
During 2024-2025, in conjunction with industry partners, Subtropical Dairy delivered $1.1 million worth of projects that focus on improving the profitability and sustainability of dairy farms. Subtropical Dairy receives its core funding from Dairy Australia and the Dairy Services Levy.
About Subtropical Dairy
Subtropical Dairy is one of eight regional teams established by Dairy Australia in the 1990s. Subtropical Dairy drives innovation in research and extension and works to guide the strategy and implementation of dairy research, dairy education and promotion programs across the region.
The Subtropical Dairy region extends 2,200 kilometres from Kempsey in New South Wales to the Atherton Tablelands in Far North Queensland. The region is uniquely characterised by hot and humid summers and mild and dry winters. Average annual rainfalls often exceed 2,000 millimetres in northern parts of the state, with cyclones, flooding and drought all common events that challenge farm production and profitability.
In 2024-2025, the subtropical region produced approximately 370 million litres of milk, representing about 4.6% of national milk output.
The size and spread of the Subtropical Dairy area has led to the establishment of six Regional Groups.
Our work is realised through regionally specific programs in the areas of:
- Farm business management
- Agronomy and herd nutrition
- Animal health and welfare
- Natural resource management
- Supporting people and human resources
- Communications and service improvement
Subtropical Dairy’s Vision
The subtropical dairy industry is a profitable, sustainable and market focused industry practicing responsible resource management and offering a fulfilling lifestyle to adaptable professional people.
Subtropical Dairy’s Mission
The Subtropical Dairy Program fosters a collaborative and unified approach to farm viability, by facilitating research and extension, improving technology and empowering people in the industry.
Subtropical Dairy’s Strategic Plan
Situation and outlook
The Situation and Outlook report analyses current dairy industry conditions, and the outlook for key drivers that affect dairy operation and profits. An annual report is released mid-year, with updates in February and October. Follow this link to read all available Situation & Outlook reports on the Dairy Australia website.
FUNDING
Dairy Australia’s annual investment in Subtropical Dairy is determined by the region’s milk production. Subtropical Dairy works to leverage additional funds from Natural Resource Management bodies, State Government and other interested investors.
annual reports
During 2024/25 Subtropical Dairy has delivered, in conjunction with industry partners, $1.1 million of projects that focus on improved profitability and sustainability of dairy farms. Read the current report and download those from previous years.
Subtropical Dairy Board of Directors
Luke Stock – Chair
Ruth Chalk – Vice Chair
Zita Ritchie
Howard Smith
Elke Watson
Mark Bauer
Dan Cork
Subtropical Dairy’s Constitution
Subtropical Dairy Board Charter
Fall Army Worm
Fall armyworm (FAW) is a key pest in Australian cropping and dependent industries such as dairy. Find information here on identifying, managing and controlling fall armyworm
Drought resources
Resources and regional guides for key contacts, available assistance programs and support services for dairy regions severely affected by drought conditions
SDP Weekly eNews
Every week, Subtropical Dairy publishes their electronic newsletter, the Northern Weekly eNews. Each edition includes a great range of information including:
- Subtropical Dairy events including workshops, online webinars and Q&A sessions;
- Other Dairy Australia and industry events;
- Links to resources and information such as surveys, grants, climate reports, Australian Dairy Plan updates and general information;
- Dairy Australia Hay and Grain Report links; and
- Seasonal Reminders.
The eNews is sent out on Thursday mornings. If you aren’t receiving the Northern Weekly eNews, fill in the subscription form so we can add you to our email list. If you have any feedback about what content you would like to see in the eNews, don’t hesitate to get in contact with any of the Subtropical Dairy team.
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