Systems Analysis of Novel Feedbase Strategies for Dairy Farms

About the research project

The Australian dairy industry faces increasing pressure to improve productivity, profitability and environmental performance while maintaining resilience to climatic variability, rising input costs and changing market conditions. Feedbase innovations, including alternative forage species, diverse pasture mixtures and improved feeding strategies, have significant potential to enhance farm performance. However, the benefits of these innovations are often evaluated at the animal or paddock scale, with limited understanding of their implications for whole-farm productivity, profitability and sustainability. This project will address this knowledge gap by applying a systems analysis approach to evaluate the biological, economic and environmental impacts of novel feedbase strategies across a range of Australian dairy production systems.

Drawing on data generated from current forage research investments, as well as previous dairy systems research, the project will develop and apply advanced dairy systems models to quantify the impacts of selected forage innovations across diverse production environments. Particular emphasis will be placed on understanding how changes in pasture composition, forage availability, feed quality and supplementation strategies affect pasture utilisation, milk production, nutrient use efficiency, profitability, greenhouse gas emissions and overall farm resilience.

The successful PhD candidate will join a nationally coordinated dairy systems modelling program involving researchers and students across Australia. The broader initiative comprises four complementary PhD projects, each focused on evaluating feedbase innovations using systems modelling and industry-relevant case studies. Together, these projects will develop and apply modelling capability across a range of Australian dairy regions and production systems, generating evidence to support industry decision-making and future research investment.

The project is a collaboration between the University of Southern Queensland, Queensland Department of Primary Industries, the University of Sydney, the University of Melbourne and the University of Tasmania with funding from Dairy Australia. The PhD candidate will be embedded within established dairy research groups and will work closely with academic, government and industry partners through a joint supervision model. This collaborative environment will provide opportunities to develop expertise in dairy production systems, modelling, data analysis and stakeholder engagement while contributing to a nationally significant research program.

Ultimately, the project will strengthen the Australian dairy industry's capacity to evaluate, design and implement feedbase innovations that deliver whole-farm benefits. By providing robust modelling tools, evidence-based case studies and skilled research capacity, the project will help ensure that future forage research and development investments are targeted towards innovations that enhance productivity, profitability, sustainability and resilience across Australian dairy farming systems.

Primary supervisor

Meet Associate Professor Richard Rawnsley

Funding

The successful applicant will receive a scholarship which provides:

• a living allowance stipend funded by Dairy Australia of $34,315 per annum for 3.5 years
• a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
• a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

A tuition fee offset may be offered to eligible international applicants following competitive assessment 

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees for undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.

Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:

• Applications are open to domestic or international candidates
• English language score must meet minimum entry requirements
• A postgraduate qualification (Honours or Masters) in livestock production, farm systems modelling or a related discipline

Selection criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:

• Post graduate qualification or relevant experience in a field related to livestock agriculture.
• System analysis and modeling skills and experience.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to work across industry.
• Capacity to work collaboratively with other researchers and students with excellent written and oral communication.
• Data handling and analysis skills.
• Understanding of dairy farm systems with a particlular focus on pasture based dairy systems.

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Driver's licence

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Associate Professor Richard Rawnsley to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
3. In your application:
   • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
   • Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
4. Apply prior to 15 January 2027.

Full details of the application process can be found under the ' How to apply ' section of the Research Degrees website.

Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

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