Fonterra farmers build nationwide program for young dairy workers
Twenty-five young dairy farmers from across Australia gathered for the fourth annual Proud to be a Dairy Farmer program, held on 5 – 7 March 2024 in Melbourne and South Gippsland.
Spearheaded by the Fonterra Australia Suppliers’ Council (FASC), the program is run by farmers, for farmers, and aims to showcase the many rewarding career pathways available within the dairy industry.
This year’s participants were selected from the largest pool yet, with the final 25 representing 14 different dairy processors across all states, highlighting the program’s continued growth to provide a whole-of-industry experience.
Almira Dall travelled from Western Australia to join the Proud to be a Dairy Farmer program.
Western Australian farm worker, Almira Dall, travelled from Perth to attend the program. She said her local Western Dairy representative encouraged her to apply and was excited to meet others in the same stage of their careers.
“It’s been a great opportunity to learn more about the industry and meet other young people working in dairy from different parts of Australia,” Almira said.
“I’ve made new friends and have even been offered a job,” she added.
Over three days, participants were immersed in all that dairy has to offer, visiting two Gippsland dairy farms to see firsthand examples of farmers thinking outside of the box.
They were shown technology integrations and robotic milking, in addition to hearing about different approaches for feed and the infrastructure needed to store it.
While touring Fonterra Australia’s Bayswater factory, the group saw the manufacturing process of dairy snacking products, watching how the milk they help produce ends up in products for consumers to enjoy.
The following day was a conference of guest speakers which included Dairy Australia and the Gardiner Dairy Foundation. Participants were exposed to a wide range of topics including career development, mental health, and the journey of milk right across the value chain.
It’s been a great opportunity to learn more about the industry and meet other young people working in dairy from different parts of Australia.
FASC Director and Gippsland dairy farmer, Dean Turner, who led this year’s program, said the goal was to get participants out of their comfort zone to embrace new thinking, build their industry knowledge, and support the career ahead of them.
“All participants came for the same reason, to meet others like them, and celebrate dairy as a great career choice.
“Dairy is full of opportunity, you just need to know how to chase it, how to build it, and develop the skills you need for your chosen path. That’s exactly what the program is about,” Dean said.
“It’s giving young farmers exposure to new perspectives, like seeing different ways to farm or hearing from industry representatives from the commercial side of the farmgate.
The group were given a behind-the-scenes look at the production lines in Fonterra Australia’s Bayswater factory, which primarily produces Mainland snacking products.
“The opportunity to ask questions and seek answers is crucial to their development,” he added.
A new partnership with the Gardiner Dairy Foundation allowed the program to expand by an additional day.
"Our goal is to spark a greater interest in the industry to keep young workers in it for the long-term,” said Dean.
“Thanks to Gardiner, we’ve been able to create a longer and richer experience,” he added.
Dairy is full of opportunity, you just need to know how to chase it, how to build it, and develop the skills you need for your chosen path. That’s exactly what the program is about.
Matyka Walpole and her family run a large dairy operation in Yielima in Northern Victoria, supplying their milk to Fonterra. Through the program, she’s built her confidence and network within the dairy industry.
The program is equally about bringing young farmers together, offering a chance to form new friendships with like-minded people in dairy.
Northern Victorian farmer Matyka Walpole said the program was helping to build her confidence and network across the industry.
“I live and work with my family and don’t often get the chance to see what other farms are doing.
“The program has really helped with my confidence and meeting new people. It’s been so easy to get along with everyone because we’re all talking about the same thing,” Matyka said.
The program ended with a Gala Dinner with industry representatives hosted by Chef Adrian Richardson at La Luna Bistro in Carlton North.
"It’s been an energising three days, and we look forward to hosting it again in 2025,” said Dean.
Applications for the 2025 Proud to be a Dairy Farmer program will open in October 2024. The program runs in March each year. To find out more, visit www.proudtobeadairyfarmer.com.au.