Dairy
Prior to the 2019-2020 drought, the Farrer Illawarra Dairy herd comprised of some 70 head. However, for the first time in Farrer's history, the dairy closed during this drought, and re-opened early 2022. Currently the dairy milks around 27 head with 3-4 dry cows and around 15 heifers.
A rotating roster of Year 9 students assist in the Dairy seven days a week, morning and night. Farrer produces in excess of 180,000L per year and the data collected is utilised by the students and farm as part of the enterprises decision making process. The dairy is an integral part of the education of the students in team building and organisational skills. In addition Year 7 students are rostered onto calf rearing duties for one week each morning and afternoon. The Dairy is currently accredited Level 7 Bovine Johnes Disease.
In 2024, the Dairy Farmers of Farrer have earned a Gold Diamond in the Australian Milk Quality Awards! This award recognises the dairy farms that consistently produce high-quality milk and commitment to improving the health of herds. Achieving low Bulk Milk Cell Counts and reducing mastitis takes teamwork, and we're so proud of the effort behind this achievement!
