_ct1880x930.jpg "Neil, Paul and Carl Christensen of Goomburra business, Superior Silage, visiting the pig and calf sale.")
Farmers turn to silage in the decline of dairy
DAIRY farms on the Southern Downs have been in decline, with many smaller family operations feeling the pressure of increased production costs.
Neil Christensen, of Goomburra-based Superior Silage, grew up on a dairy farm before moving into the more lucrative silage business.
Mr Christensen was at the pig and calf sale last week and shared his grievances for the apparent downfall of dairying.
"We had a bad run with all the dairy farms shutting down," he said.
"In the Goomburra Valley there's only about three left when about five years ago there would have been about 10.
"I think the prices people were getting for milk and the drought had a bit to do with it.
"They used to be the main silage users and now it's mostly feedlots."
Mr Christensen has been running his business for the last 24 years and said business took him all over Queensland.
"The last couple of years we've travelled to Gympie and out past Goondiwindi - whereever the work is," he said.
