Simon Schulz is a third-generation organic dairy farmer (and MFWF Trailblazer) and grandson of MFWF Legend Hermann Schulz. He’s the founder of Schulz Organic Dairy at Timboon in southwest Victoria. We asked if he would offer some insight into how the drought is impacting dairy and other farming sectors in his region.
Simon, I think most of us have seen news of the drought and its effects on Victorian farmers, but for anyone who’s missed it – what’s the headline?
Funny you say that, because up until about four weeks ago, what’s been happening in south-west Victoria really hadn’t made the headlines in the cities. We’ve been talking about it with our customers since the start of the year. We actually stopped making and supplying one-litre milks back in the first week of March because milk production is down 30 per cent.
But when our team tried to explain the drought and its impact on supply at markets and to our wholesale customers most people had no idea. Then you point out it’s we were still having 25-degree days in May and that tends to put it into perspective.
Which producers or sectors are being hardest hit?
All of us – dairy, beef, sheep – even ducks. Our friends just down the road at Great Ocean Ducks are in the same boat. Everyone’s having to buy in feed, and that’s if they can even get it. I’ve got mates who are lamb farmers hand-feeding every day, and people are starting to destock – letting go of progeny they’ve invested years into.
We’ve gone through the 12-month supply of hay and silage produced on the farm in just five months. Buying in feed is costing us twice as much as usual, and we’re buying organic, which makes it even more expensive.
And it doesn’t stop at the farm gate. If we can’t supply our wholesalers or retailers, they’re missing out on sales too.
What does it look like on the ground in your community?
Locals are spending less. You can feel it everywhere, from the shops, schools to the local sporting clubs. There’s a lot of stress, and people are breaking down. It’s not just about dry paddocks, it’s the mental toll too. This kind of pressure, day in day out, wears people thin.
What can people in hospitality do to help?
Please pay your accounts within terms. We know many are doing it tough too, but if you’re struggling, let us know so we can work out a plan together. Educate yourselves: read our updates, share what’s happening with your teams and customers. Understand that if we could produce more milk, we would – we’re a single-herd, regenerative organic farm. Also know that price increases are necessary right now. We’re not doing it lightly.
What action would you like to see taken at the state and federal level?
For our government and lawmakers to recognise that regional Victoria exists and is hurting. We’d like them to visit local areas, listen to the people on the ground, and offer meaningful, sustainable financial support. We want to see more research and funding put into regenerative agriculture practices and to future proof water supply. The government needs to invest in the future of primary producers if they want to feed their country.
What about people at home?
Visit and spend money in regional areas. Winter is always a quieter time for us at the Schulz Organic Café & Creamery on the farm; fewer people are heading to places like the Great Ocean Road or the 12 Apostles, and while we usually rely on locals, many just don’t have the spare cash right now.
In the city, get to know your farmers by shopping at farmers markets and supporting smaller, independent retailers. Follow farmers and producers on social media to stay up to date with what’s happening on the farm – even a simple message of support goes a long way.
Take time to reflect on the seasons and where your food comes from. Understand that some products may not always be on the shelf – and when we are back, we’d love for you to return to our brand, even if it costs a little more.