The forum, supported by Dairy Australia and Murray Dairy, will be held at the DPI Kyabram facility on Tuesday October 7, starting at 10.30 am.

The event is part of a broader review of future research and extension needs for the irrigated dairy sector being conducted by DPI in partnership with Dairy Australia and Murray Dairy.

"DPI will continue to be a major research, development and extension provider to the industry in northern Victoria and this forum will help us identify the future needs of the irrigated dairy sector and will also feed into the broader industry review we are conducting with Dairy Australia and Murray Dairy," Dr Kefford said.

A range of guest speakers and industry-specific displays at the forum will highlight how innovation and practice change will be vital to the future competitiveness and sustainability of the dairy industry in the region.

The irrigated dairy industry in Northern Victoria and the Riverina produces almost 2 billion litres of milk annually, valued conservatively at $800 million at the farm gate.

DPI executive director for future farming systems research division, Dr Ron Prestidge, said dairy farming in Victoria is entering a new era where farmers must become more innovative and sustainable, while increasing productivity to take advantage of the new opportunities opening up in both domestic and international markets.

A range of DPI dairy research and development projects will be highlighted at the forum, including information on dairy farm systems modelling, on-farm nutrient budgeting, implications of climate change and improved grazing systems to enhance water quality.