In an effort to help address the long-term challenge of attracting, retaining and developing people in the dairy industry, 12 young dairy farmers from across Victoria and Tasmania took part in the very first Proud to be a Dairy Farmer program in May.
The program, which was spearheaded by the Fonterra Australia Suppliers’ Council with support from Fonterra, mentors young farmers looking to expand their career in dairy.
Running over three days, the group took part in a series of workshops led by a range of industry stalwarts, covering topics including different operating and financial structures, how to progress their career through to farm ownership, and the importance of looking after your mental health.
They also headed off to Gippsland to visit a few farms and Fonterra’s Darnum site.
Fonterra Australia Suppliers’ Council chair John Dalton said the dairy industry had evolved in recent years and farm businesses had become larger.
“There are many opportunities for young people interested in dairy and who want to have a successful career,” he said.
“We wanted to create a program that recognised and supported the next generation of dairy entrants and inspired them to build a successful career in dairy.”
Dairy farmer Karli Pyke, who works on a farm in Naringal in south-west Victoria, took part in the program.
Karli said it was a great opportunity to meet like-minded people and share their knowledge and experiences with each other.
“It was amazing to see the different work environments and roles out there and how it differs from your own experience — I learnt a lot,” she said.
“My career in agriculture began on my grandparents’ dairy farm, which at the time was being leased to their neighbour. In Year 9 I spent my summer carting bales and then proceeded to study my Certificate II in Agriculture throughout Year 10.”
After completing VCE, she found a six-month gap year position rearing calves in Naringal.
“This turned into eight years, a Certificate III/IV in Agriculture and my partner and I now residing on the property,” Karli said.
“One of my favourite things about farming is the diverse skill set I have been able to acquire and the variety of jobs I can be doing from season to season.”
To round off the program, the young dairy farmers wined and dined with leading industry figures from Dairy Australia, UDV, Australian Dairy Farmers and Fonterra.
Australian Dairy Farmers president Terry Richardson praised the participants’ desire to understand, learn and engage with others across the industry.
“It’s a great demonstration of the industry giving back to the next generation of dairy farmers, this is what’s needed to help grow and support our industry to grow,” he said.
The program was inspired by Fonterra’s Proud to be a Chef program, which has been running since 1996 and supports young apprentice chefs.
Fonterra Australia managing director René Dedoncker said Fonterra was pleased to be able to support the Fonterra Australia Suppliers’ Council to get this up and running.
“We’re incredibly proud to be part of a program that celebrates the young people in our industry, our future leaders, and the future of what is great about dairy,” he said.