The NSW Murray is one of the most undervalued agribusiness regions in the world, with endless potential to feed a growing global population.
That view is held by Murray Irrigation Ltd director Lachlan Marshall, however it comes with a caveat.
“We must have sufficient, affordable water if the potential is to be realised. It’s the key ingredient,” he says.
Lachlan has a business and farming background that brings a unique skillset to the Murray Irrigation board.
He was elected three years ago and is currently the deputy chair.
He looks at the business through a commercial lens, and his inquisitive nature and ‘can do’ attitude to both life and business are valuable assets in the decision-making process.
With a family dairy operation at Blighty, Lachlan understands and appreciates the impact of decisions on irrigated agriculture, from a local or national perspective.
When a government or Murray Irrigation decision affects irrigation farmers, he has first-hand experience.
“We moved here in 2006 as fourth generation dairy farmers, making the decision to establish our business in the New South Wales Murray because land and water were affordable," Lachlan said.
"I still passionately believe this is the best place in Australia to milk cows, and that is why we have grown our dairy business five-fold in the past 18 years, and we continue to grow. But, as I said, water is the key.”
The Marshall property, operated by Lachlan, his brother Adam and their families, is just over 1000 hectares (2500 acres), on which they grow cereals, legumes and corn, with all of these fed as silage to the dairy cows.
“We are croppers who take plants and value-add by feeding them to cows, who in turn convert this to milk. But to make this possible we must have access to water 365 days a year to feed and water stock.
“Over nearly two decades we have evolved our cropping programs and can now grow twice as much forage using half the water, compared to when we started here in 2006.
“We have been able to expand the business, but water is life. It is the key ingredient to the sustainability of our operation; we cannot milk cows without access to affordable and reliable water,” Lachlan emphasised.
And his business interests extend beyond traditional dairying, with Lachlan a founder and chairman of Alt Mlk, a European based plant and dairy milk producing company based in Brussels.
The artisan product range is described as “organic plant-based alternatives for everyday use to suit your lifestyle”, supplying the ‘high end’ coffee market across Europe.
Lachlan explained that Alt Mlk is also involved in a humanitarian project focused on the Pacific region. He believes it is important for companies to have a community and social focus, and supports the community programs at Murray Irrigation, including its sponsorship of Learn to Swim, and numerous other projects.
Like others at Murray Irrigation, he opposes water buybacks if they are from the productive pool, due to the damage incurred to the company and the broader community, but believes that with a united focus there is a positive future.
“I understand and accept there can be opportunities to reconfigure balance sheets, and this can have a positive outcome. But I am opposed to simply removing water from the consumptive pool, because there are smarter ways to achieve the Basin Plan’s goals.
“I also respect the right of every individual to sell their water to whoever they choose, and appreciate and support business decisions that are made to improve a business’ bottom line.
“If we are able to work together I believe there are great opportunities for future generations within the MIL footprint, which has endless potential,” Lachlan says.
When he talks about working collaboratively on solutions, Lachlan is firm in the view that this must include governments.
“However, this does not change the fact that when water leaves a system it has operational and financial impacts on the remaining irrigators.
“It is imperative that we find solutions to mitigate these impacts, so we give those remaining in irrigated agriculture the confidence to invest in a sustainable future.”
To secure the future of Murray Irrigation Ltd, Lachlan has committed to a focus on maintaining a strong balance sheet, with provisioning funds for future repairs and maintenance.
He is a strong advocate for ensuring the company continues developing a workplace that attracts quality staff long-term, and passionate about building a work culture in which people want to be involved and are proud to work.
“As farmers and as a community I think we need a renewed focus on unity and collaboration that has an emphasis on laying the foundations for future generations. Despite the challenges, this future can be very positive," Lachlan said.
“But we need to develop, commercially and environmentally, sound solutions to the Basin Plan that strengthen Murray Irrigation and its shareholders for the years ahead.
“That will not be easy, but with the right strategic direction at board level, backed by a professional, committed team and a united community and shareholder base, I am confident it is a challenge we can successfully face.”
