Macalister Demonstration Farm

The Macalister Demonstration Farm (MDF) is a farmer-owned co-operative that was set up in 1960 to acquire a commercial dairy farm on which best management practice could be tested and demonstrated to improve the productivity, profitability and sustainability of farms in the Macalister Irrigation District (MID).

The co-op began with an initial issue of shares to 400 shareholders each contributing the equivalent of $25 for the purchase of 50 shares. The number of shareholders was later increased to 200 with a similar package.

An extensive search of properties across the district saw the Board of the co-op finally settled on purchasing a farm on Boggy Creek Road, Riverslea which was officially opened in February 1962.

Since 1962 the farm has increased in size from 48 ha to 92 ha with a milking area of 73 ha. The milking herd has increased from an initial 72 milkers in 1962 to just under 300 milkers today.

During its time in operation the MDF has actively sought to partner with reputable organisations and agencies to develop and deliver new projects and resources aimed at advancing the skills of dairy farmers in the MID. A visit to the MDF website will offer insight into how the farm is run, its productivity and the range of projects undertaken since 2000. To learn more visit www.macalisterdemonstrationfarm.com