Report The Australian Dairy Industry In Focus reports
06 January 2023
The Dairy Industry In Focus report provides a snapshot of Australia’s role in the global dairy industry based on the current year's data.
The dairy industry is the nation's third largest rural industry and a key sector of the agricultural economy. Dairy Australia plays a key industry role in being able to quantify the flow of milk across the nation, which is processed into a wider range of dairy products and then sold in diverse markets here and overseas.
Milk production
Australia’s milk production declined 3.4% over the 2021/22 season, as high land and beef prices led to increased farm exits and business diversification. This was fuelled by significant labour challenges experienced across all dairying regions. As such, the national herd fell to 1.34 million cows.
Australian dairy farmers
In 2021/22 there were 4,420 registered dairy farms operating in Australia. The dairy industry is a significant source of employment with approximately 34,700 people directly employed on dairy farms and by dairy processing companies.
Export markets
Despite accounting for less than 2% of the world’s estimated milk production, Australia remains a significant exporter of dairy products. We currently rank fourth in terms of world dairy trade with a 5% share, behind New Zealand, the European Union and the United States.
Previous Australian dairy industry In focus reports
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