Proud to be a Dairy Farmer 2026 builds connections for the next generation
Twenty-nine young dairy farmers took part in an inspiring three-day program in Melbourne as part of Proud to be a Dairy Farmer 2026.
Held from 23-25 February 2026, participants travelled from five states across the country and represented 11 different dairy processors. Now in its sixth consecutive year, the program continues to focus on enriching dairy careers and building capability for the next generation of future industry leaders.
With more than 100 applications received each year, Proud to be a Dairy Farmer offers a sought-after professional development opportunity, giving young people the tools, confidence and connections to take the next step in their dairy careers.
Led by the Fonterra Australia Suppliers’ Council (FASC), what began as a simple idea more than six years ago has grown into a respected national program with lasting impact.
Terang dairy farmer, Max Fahey
Terang dairy farmer Max Fahey said the experience exceeded expectations, helped him build a network, and motivated him by seeing other farmers in a similar position.
“I grew up on our family dairy farm and spent 21 years there. I’ve recently gone back full‑time to work on the farm, which feels like a natural next step for me,” Max said.
“My mum has a big involvement in the dairy industry, and she was the one who encouraged me to apply for the program.
“One of the biggest highlights was visiting the farms. It was exciting to see operations that felt close to where I’m at personally, people just getting into the industry and starting from the ground up. Seeing someone at a similar stage to me, was really motivating. It made the future feel achievable.
“When I get home, I want to take some of the ideas and attributes from the well‑thought‑out farms we visited and see how I can apply them,” Max said.
Max encouraged other young farmers to consider applying for the 2027 program.
“I’d say 100 per cent go for it. It’s absolutely worth it. The networking side was huge, meeting other young farmers in the industry, hearing their stories and learning from each other was invaluable,” he said.
“The level of industry support has been incredible. We have Dairy Australia, Australian Dairy Farmers, Gardiner Foundation and growing participation from processors. It shows just how far this program has come."
Hands-on experiences and industry-leading speakers spark curiosity
Participants hear from industry leaders, learn from multi-generational farmers, tour processing facilities, and gain insight into the full dairy supply chain.
This year included a behind-the-scenes visit to Burra Dairy Foods’ Gippsland processing facility, offering participants a valuable perspective on where their milk goes beyond the farm gate.
A highlight of the program was a full day on farm, where participants visited two Gippsland dairy operations, seeing firsthand different approaches to scale, investment and what success looks like.
This year's conference sessions included presentations from Fonterra Oceania on the journey of milk across the supply chain, Gardiner Foundation on industry support, and Colac farmer Mark Billing from Dairy Farmers Victoria on the role of industry bodies and ways to get involved.
There was also a focussed discussion on mental health and wellbeing run by AFL great, Wayne Schwass, founder of PukaUp.
Going beyond technical skills
Fonterra Australia Suppliers’ Council Chair and Westbury dairy farmer Stuart Griffin said the program is designed to help young people build confidence, broaden their perspective and feel supported as they navigate their careers.
“From the very beginning, the focus of the program was about showing young entrants to the dairy industry the different pathways people have taken – the skills they’ve built, the networks they’ve relied on, and the teams they’ve brought together to support a career in sharefarming, leasing or farm ownership, he said.
“It was an opportunity the Suppliers’ Council identified around six years ago to look beyond providing technical farming skills, to provide a genuine view of what a career in the dairy industry can look like.
Fonterra Australia Suppliers' Council (FASC) Chair, Stuart Griffin speaking at the Gala Dinner.
“The level of industry support – from year one through to 2026 – has been incredible. We have Dairy Australia, Australian Dairy Farmers, Gardiner Foundation and growing participation from processors. It shows just how far this program has come.
“It is truly a national program, and that sends a powerful message to participants. This is more than a small group coming together. There are people supporting this program from across the industry who are invested in its future. They’re willing to share their experiences, impart their wisdom, and demonstrate what being part of this industry is really made of,” Stuart said.
Gala Dinner unites industry leaders
The program concluded with a Gala Dinner at Blackbird Melbourne, bringing together participants and leaders from across the dairy industry, including Saputo, Lactalis, Bulla, Burra, ACM, Dairy Australia, Tas Farmers, Australian Dairy Farmers, Dairy Farmers Victoria, the Australian Dairy Products Federation and Gardiner Foundation.
Applications for the 2027 Proud to be a Dairy Farmer program will open in October 2026. The program runs annually in February.
To find out more, visit www.proudtobeadairyfarmer.com.au.