Dairy farmers use smart milk transport

Dairy farmers use smart milk transport

Victorian dairy farmers are using new technology to improve the efficiency of tankers sent out to pick up their milk each morning, under the MilkLink demonstration project, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Transport and Regional Services, John Anderson, said today.

The project is supported by the Federal Government through Austroads and Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) Australia.

"Farmers from five dairy farms in East Gippsland have done away with daily paperwork. Instead, they forecast the amount of milk expected each day, then enter that information into a palm computer on the spot," Mr Anderson said.

"Australia's largest dairy foods processor, Murray Goulburn Cooperative, then uses this instant information to dispatch the right number of milk tankers of the right size at the right time, making sure that valuable transport infrastructure is used in the most efficient way.

"The MilkLink project is just one of a number of tremendously successful projects that are showing how modern technology applied to transport can reap direct benefits for both suppliers of transport services and their customers.

"It's an excellent example of what can be achieved when new solutions are applied to transport and logistics challenges," Mr Anderson said.

Murray Goulburn's Maffra plant Manager, Brad Stokell, said that being involved in the project had shown how technology could contribute to a seamless operation.

"The advances this technology provides have helped Murray Goulburn maintain current industry best practice milk pick-up infrastructure," Mr Stokell said.

"The efficiencies demonstrated by MilkLink complemented Murray Goulburn's commitment to sustainable and environmentally responsible business."

© Scoop Media