Yes, the payout has dropped but it is still better than the long-term average over the last 7 years of $4.86. While you have no control of the payout, you do have control of costs of production and now is the time to consolidate, take a good hard look at your business and focus on profitability. Concentrate on cashflow, be flexible and quick on your feet and operate low cost farming systems that are robust regardless of the payout. AbacusBio dairy consultant, Peter O’Neill, says “staying positive and taking advantage of growth opportunities that arise while we’re at the bottom of the cycle are the ways for farmers to get ahead right now”.

Areas AbacusBio can advise you on include:

• Low input farming structures
• Stocking rates
• Pasture management
• Cash flow management
• Staff performance
• Strategic planning
• Equity partnership management