Free business advice on offer for Australian dairy farmers

For Australia's rural producers, each year can throw up a new set of challenges. Being able to react and adjust to variable weather, market fluctuations and other curve balls is all part of the game.

That's why having a good strategy for managing risk makes a lot of sense.

Such a strategy will vary with each farmer with respect to their circumstances, but a comprehensive farm insurance or crop insurance policy provides a strong foundation for any risk management plan.

Australian dairy farmers are being offered additional help and support in the form of free one-on-one sessions with experienced dairy advisors.

The Taking Stock sessions form part of Dairy Australia's nationwide Tactics For Tight Times campaign to help dairy farmers tackle the challenges of the 2012/13 season.

Farmers will be able to sit down in their own home with advisors and take part in a financial and physical analysis of their business.

They will receive advice on managing their budget, finding cost-saving measures, calculating pasture consumption, managing debt and creating an action plan.

Advisors will also ensure that dairy farmers are aware of other services at their disposition, such as counselling and health services.

"The strength of Taking Stock is that it is based on a one-to-one conversation with a trusted, skilled advisor," said Mr Murphy.

Mr Murphy said that the sessions came about after farmers requested this type of assistance.

"It gives the opportunity to take time out from the business for three or four hours and have a meaningful discussion about the current situation and plans for the future," he added.

Taking Stock sessions are available to take place between March and June 2013.

Dairy farmers that are interested in taking advantage of this free offer need only call their RDP to register.