Low numbers mean prison dairy farm flat out 
IT'S not often you hear of a prisoner shortage in Queens-land jails. But, like any work-force, when there is a reduced number of prisoners at the Darling Downs Correctional Facility dairy farm, it usually means other offenders have to pick up the slack. And that's been the case at the jail, west of Toowoomba, for most of this year, as the dairy farm works to maintain another year of product.
The prison usually houses more than 200 prisoners, many working in the dairy farm; however, this year the figure has been consistently closer to 80.
And while no-one would lament the fact prisoners are working a little harder to earn their keep, it might be small evidence the rehabilitation process involving farm labours and a trust-building process is seeing some success.
The Darling Downs Correctional Centre is one of only two commercial prison farms in Queensland, the other being west of Rockhampton.
The facility, which has been involved in dairying since 1900, was originally a boys' youth detention centre.
However, about 15 years ago, the facility was changed to house low-security male prisoners.
While the farm focuses on producing milk to supply prisoners at the facility, the excess is sold through a contract with dairy farmers, with profits partially funding operations at the prison.
About 1.8 million litres were produced last financial year from about 200 milkers, with a total herd size of 475 head.
The majority of the herd are Holstein Friesian, with Aussie Red and Jersey/Friesian-cross making up the balance.
The farm raises its own replacement stock and generally purchases only bulls. Prisoners grow oats for heifer feed in the winter and forage sorghum for heifer feed and silage in the summer.
In an average summer rainfall season, enough silage can be harvested from the land to supply a full 12 months of feed.
But while the figures suggest a solid dairy operation in an industry that has struggled greatly in recent years, the farm's major focus is on transforming the lives of the prisoners.
The prison usually houses more than 200 prisoners, many working in the dairy farm; however, this year the figure has been consistently closer to 80.
And while no-one would lament the fact prisoners are working a little harder to earn their keep, it might be small evidence the rehabilitation process involving farm labours and a trust-building process is seeing some success.
The Darling Downs Correctional Centre is one of only two commercial prison farms in Queensland, the other being west of Rockhampton.
The facility, which has been involved in dairying since 1900, was originally a boys' youth detention centre.
However, about 15 years ago, the facility was changed to house low-security male prisoners.
While the farm focuses on producing milk to supply prisoners at the facility, the excess is sold through a contract with dairy farmers, with profits partially funding operations at the prison.
About 1.8 million litres were produced last financial year from about 200 milkers, with a total herd size of 475 head.
The majority of the herd are Holstein Friesian, with Aussie Red and Jersey/Friesian-cross making up the balance.
The farm raises its own replacement stock and generally purchases only bulls. Prisoners grow oats for heifer feed in the winter and forage sorghum for heifer feed and silage in the summer.
In an average summer rainfall season, enough silage can be harvested from the land to supply a full 12 months of feed.
But while the figures suggest a solid dairy operation in an industry that has struggled greatly in recent years, the farm's major focus is on transforming the lives of the prisoners.
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