Jersey Australia’s new life member Lisa Broad hopes her contribution to the industry will inspire the next generation of farmers.
Lisa’s extensive contribution to Jersey Australia includes being a board member since 2010, vice-president 2018-20 and president since 2021, promotions chair 2012-16 and genetics chair 2017-20.
She was a Jersey Australia classifier from 1995-2022, has been a Jersey Australia member since 1986 and has given extensive service to Northern Districts Jersey Breeders Club in executive roles.
Lisa, alongside her husband Lynton, was named a Master Breeder in 2023 for their Broadlin Jersey Stud based at Wonthaggi in Victoria’s South Gippsland.
Lisa said she hoped to set a good example for others wanting to become farmers.
“When I started, there were a number of people who encouraged me to continue with my dream of being a dairy farmer, so I want to do the same thing to give other young people the opportunity to stay in the industry,” she said.
“I want to help keep it a place where people want to be involved.”
Lisa said she was surprised by the honour.
“When you’re doing these things, you don’t recognise that people might appreciate what you do,” she said.
“You don’t do it for personal recognition, you do it for the breed and the people that are going to come along after you, but being recognised liken this makes it even more worthwhile.”
Lisa said the people involved with Jersey Australia had become “an extended family”.
“You can pick up the phone no matter where you are, and they are there for you, and it’s like you had coffee with them yesterday. They are a special group of people.”
Lisa said she was overwhelmed and surprised by the honour.
“I’m not a spotlight person, but I do appreciate it,” she said.
She said she was forever grateful for her family’s support in allowing her time to fulfil the Jersey Australia duties.
Jersey Australia general manager Glen Barrett said the life membership accolade was “just recognition for an outstanding contribution to the breed”.
“Lisa is an outstanding leader and contributor to Jersey Australia as a member, classifier, and through her service to the board over the past 14 years,” Glen said.
Lisa was re-elected as president at Jersey Australia’s annual general meeting recently.
Two breed stalwarts, Bill Cochrane and Pat Nicholson, were presented with Distinguished Service Awards at the 2024 Jersey Australia awards recently in Shepparton.
Bill has served on the Jersey Victoria Board and as a classifier and class tour coordinator as well as being an outstanding servant to the Northern District Jersey Breeders Club for many years, ensuring the club’s continued activity and success.
Bill, from Girgarre, west of Shepparton, has also been a great servant to the Northern District Jersey Breeders Club as well as Jersey Australia as a classifier and on the genetics committee and show ring ethics committee.
He is a great supporter of dairy youth as a youth camp and judging mentor.