June 2023: Industry gathers at Narrikup for annual Dairy Innovation Day

Over 300 of the state’s dairy farmers and service providers attended Western Dairy’s Dairy Innovation Day on Thursday 11 May at Ravenhill Pastoral in Narrikup. The largest dairy in Western Australia was the site for the 23rd annual Dairy Innovation Day, returning to its original format of being on-farm post-COVID19 disruptions. Host farmers Ken and Bonnie Ravenhill own and operate Ravenhill Pastoral, the home of WA’s only 100-stand rotary dairy. Their herd of 1,700 Holstein cattle produces 16 million liters of milk annually. Ms Ravenhill said the experience of hosting DID was surreal.

“It’s hard to give every topic justice in one day, but we were very proud to welcome people to our farm. We’re glad the heavens were kind to us and gave us a nice day where people could enjoy what we’ve got here,” Ms Ravenhill said.

The day’s program included an in-depth look at the business operations of Ravenhill Pastoral over the decade since Ken and Bonnie took the reins from Ken’s parents, Graham and Jan.

“Our farm is special to us as it’s a generational farm,” explained Ms Ravenhill.

The amicable succession between the Ravenhill family was one of the day’s key topics, with dairy consultant Steve Hossen facilitating the discussion.

“The Ravenhills are an interesting case study,” Mr Hossen said.

“The Dairy Innovation Day was an excellent forum to highlight the features of what a successful succession can look like.”

In the afternoon, attendees were treated to a tour of the rotary dairy and holding yard floodwash system that uses recycled effluent in operation at Ravenhill Pastoral.

Western Dairy Regional Manager Jo Saunders was pleased with the turnout at this year’s event.
“The Western Dairy and Ravenhill Pastoral teams worked incredibly hard to coordinate Dairy Innovation Day 2023,” Ms Saunders said.

“To have so many people make the journey south for the day demonstrates how connected the WA dairying community is and its commitment to remaining sustainable. We are also incredibly grateful to this year’s sponsors who helped make the day possible.”

Busselton dairy farmer and Chair of the Western Dairy board, Robin Lammie, echoed Ms Saunders’ comments.
“Western Australia’s dairy industry is small but mighty,” Mr Lammie said.

“We currently have 116 dairy businesses contributing four percent to national milk production. Ken and Bonnie are an inspiring example to the next generation of dairy farmers as demonstrated in the vision for their dairy and having built on it by having confidence in their business.”

Dairy Innovation Day concluded with a number of farmers and service providers attending the Albany Entertainment Centre for the Brownes pre-dinner drinks and sold-out Pioneer Seeds Gala Dinner.