Fertiliser deal good news for dairy farmers Brian and Michele Lawrence

Meander dairy farmers Brian and Michele Lawrence said they’re relieved that additional nitrogen fertiliser has been secured by the Tasmanian Government as part of a deal with Incitec Pivot. 

When the good news was announced by the State Government last week, on the back of the latest trade and investment mission to Indonesia and Singapore and meetings with PT Pupuk Indonesia, it was a confidence boost, they said. 

“Dairy farming is all about getting the right amount of fertiliser in the right place at the right time,” Michele said.

“We don’t put it on willy nilly, we do it scientifically so that it’s not a wasted resource, and any disruption to supply would threaten the ability to do that.

“Any major change to our system can affect our productivity and output and impact the farm not just for one year but multiple years.”

The Lawrences, who had previously worked on Brian’s family dairy farm, Fermer, at Osmaston, bought Janefield in 2006 and have steadily built up the former cattle and sheep property into a profitable dairy business, milking 1200 cows.

They soil test a quarter of the farm each year and the nutrient analysis dictates what their inputs will be, on top of recycled solids and effluent.

“It’s a scientific calculation based on what we use and how we can keep the soil healthy while growing as much pasture as possible,” Brian said.

“If urea-based fertiliser wasn’t available, we would have to consider alternatives that could be less suitable and more expensive, so this announcement gives us some confidence we won’t need any major change to our system that could affect our productivity.”

“Our whole production system and business is based on growing grass and it’s the quality of that grass that keeps our cows healthy and productive.”
Small Business, Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Guy Barnett said the new agreement is expected to deliver an additional 20,000 to 25,000 tonnes of nitrogen fertiliser (urea) into the State between now and the end of the year, providing significant additional supply ahead of peak seasonal demand.
“Strong partnerships with industry and international suppliers are critical to protecting Tasmania’s agricultural productivity and food security,” he said.
Primary Industries Minister Gavin Pearce said nitrogen fertiliser remained essential to Tasmania’s farming systems, supporting pasture, cropping and food production across the state.
“This collaboration between government, industry and international suppliers is delivering practical outcomes for Tasmanian agriculture,” Minister Pearce said.

“The additional supply secured through this agreement will provide greater certainty for Tasmanian farmers as they make important seasonal decisions.”
Incitec Pivot general manager Tasmania Nick Saunders said the agreement would provide important confidence for Tasmanian growers ahead of the coming season.

“Tasmanian farmers are some of the most productive in Australia, and Incitec Pivot is committed to helping navigate these current global supply challenges,” Mr Saunders said.