About us
The Dairy Research Foundation was established in 1959 to advance the emerging discipline of dairy science and to improve technical practices in the industry.
Our research laboratory has facilities for carrying out a wide range of research from applied and that focusing on pasture management, animal nutrition and whole farm systems to more basic studies.
One of the roles of the Dairy Research Foundation is to inform the dairy and general community on the work undertaken by the University and this has led to the organising of an Annual Symposium held at various location within the state, including Camden NSW.
The Dairy Research Foundation is the lead organisation for Dairy UP, a major research and development program to help NSW farmers unlock the potential of their dairy businesses. It is a collaboration with NSW DPI, Dairy Australia and Scibus with support from a range of NSW dairy industry players.
Find out more about Dairy UP
Our history
Awareness that the dairy industry in Australia in the “fifties” lagged far behind its counterparts in Europe and the USA led the recently appointed Professor of Animal Husbandry, T.J.Robinson, to establish the Dairy Husbandry Research Foundation in 1959.
Jack Ferguson, Chairman of the NSW Milk Board gave Professor Robinson invaluable encouragement and support in the establishment of the Foundation.
Generous financial assistance from the Australian Dairy Produce Board and from a high proportion of the major dairying companies allowed the construction of the Dairy Research Unit at the University Farms at Camden.
Objectives
The DRF centre links USyd researchers and students with the Australian dairy industry, creating opportunities for engagement with farmers and industry and enhancing exposure of our teaching, research and innovation in dairy science. The specific objectives of the DRF centre are to:
- Lead innovation in the dairy industry through large, industry driven and collaborative RD&E programs led by the DRF centre, such as FutureDairy (2004-2017) and current Dairy UP (2021-2026) programs.
- Develop high impact, innovative, multidisciplinary and transformational research programs in dairy science and dairy production.
- Be a platform to enhance collaboration and support university research groups directly or indirectly interested in dairy-related research.
- Promote extension and adoption of USyd-led research and innovation across a range of disciplines.
- Be a trusted and sought-after source of independent advice to the dairy industry and the public on any topic related to dairy science.
- Develop opportunities for scientific training of students and the future workforce of the Dairy Industry.
Achievements
- The DRF has continued to achieve the above goals in the past 10 years, attracting an average of $1 million in funding per year.
- The success is also evidenced by an increasing amount of research, publications, industry funds and number of students as shown in detail in the DRF Annual Report’s.
Contact us
Dairy Research Foundation
University of Sydney
380 Werombi Road
Brownlow Hill NSW 2570
Australia
Professor Yani Garcia
Director
[email protected]
Kirsty Jaensch
Administrative Officer
[email protected]