Dairying in SA

South Australia represents approximately 6% of the national output of milk in the Australian dairy industry.

The state’s industry has a long history of high productivity and quality dairy produce. SA’s milk has a record of high component values in terms of butterfat and protein - crucial to economical manufacture and processing into dairy products.

The state’s producers also lead the industry when it comes to milk quality, which adds to its value in terms of product shelf-life and versatility to a processor.

There are four main regions stretching from the South East of the state to the Barossa Mid North area.

The South East of the state is regarded as an integral part of the future growth of the “South-West” milk field. It’s predominantly supported by summer irrigated pastures. Over 50% of the state's milk is sourced from the region.

The River and Lakes region has been hard hit in the past 5 years from drought and severe water restrictions. The dairy community remaining in the region is extremely resilient and is paving the way towards a more flexible style of dairying.

The Fleurieu Peninsula is a predominantly dryland dairy farming area. The area is contracting in farm numbers but is holding cow numbers and milk production. The well known and productive dairy area is increasingly under threat from urban sprawl and competing land use. However, the farmers in the region remain committed to quality milk and herd production.

The Barossa Mid North is better known for its wine and crop production, however there is a thriving dairy industry still in the region, based on dryland systems. Milk production has increased in the past few years as these farmers actively aim to develop their production skills and feeding regimes.