Dayboro’s last dairy farm will remain in the Bradley family for another generation thanks to the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA).
The small town of Dayboro – 45 kilometres north of Brisbane – was once a thriving dairy hub but, as dry conditions and low milk prices set in, dairy farmers quit the industry.
All but one was left.
Joe Bradley grew up watching his parents on their dairy farm and has since dedicated his life’s work to the farm business.
When conditions turned in recent years, he was determined to keep four generations of his family legacy alive.
“It’s been tough to survive getting low milk prices,“ Joe said. “And we’ve also been hit by drought, floods – you name it and we’ve copped it, but we’ve managed to stay in farming.“
Joe’s unwavering resilience is paying off, with the producer – who is also the president of dairy advocacy group eastAUSmilk – enjoying increased milk prices as the dairy industry bounces back.
“I am positive about the future of the dairy industry,“ Joe said. “Prices have improved and, yes, so have input costs but, all in all I’m confident about what’s to come.“
The positive market outlook has given Joe the confidence to buy the family farm he’s managed for more than 30 years with the help of a First Start Loan from the QRIDA.
“I wanted to keep dairying and I am lucky enough that my daughter and two sons-in-law wanted to keep the business going as well,” he said.
“I just love working with animals and being able to supply quality dairy products for the consumer.”
Joe is now focused on growing the family business and ensuring his community of Dayboro has a resilient dairy operation to outlast the good and bad times.
“My goals are to pay off the debt from the First Start Loan and to own my property outright,” Joe said.
“I also want to improve the quality of cattle in our herd and continue building a positive relationship with our regional Queensland milk processor.”
Joe said QRIDA regional area manger for south east Queensland Brian Coe helped him complete his First Start Loan application.
“Brian contacted me and we went through it all together. He has visited my farm a few times and helped me work through some questions I had about the loan initially, which was very, very helpful.
“I would recommend QRIDA to other farmers. QRIDA is only a phone call away and the support they can provide producers with is invaluable.”
Brian said now was the perfect time for dairy farmers to invest in their operation to ensure they remained on top of their game.
“QRIDA’s First Start Loans of up to $2 million can help dairy farmers get started in the industry and rationalise family partnerships,” he said.
“You could also use QRIDA’s First Start Loans and Sustainability Loans to invest in new dairy equipment and machinery, property development works, improve fodder storage facilities, build your dairy cattle herd and purchase additional land.”
