Community
23 October, 2024
Program open to help budding dairy talent
INDUSTRY-LEADING program Proud to be a Dairy Farmer is back with applications now open for the 2025 program.
Now in its fifth year, the program focuses on professional development for young people in the dairy industry, seeks to build knowledge, skills and connections, supporting participants to take the next step in their careers.
Dairy farmers and farm employees aged 20 to 35 in any state, regardless of what processor their farm supplies, are encouraged to apply.
Designed and operated by Fonterra’s farmer representative body, the Fonterra Australia Suppliers’ Council (FASC), the program has grown in popularity each year.
It provides an opportunity for young dairy farmers to come together, expand their knowledge and appreciate the many opportunities available in the industry.
Now an executive on the Fonterra Australia Suppliers’ Council, Alvie dairy farmer Brooke Lane has been involved with the program since its inception, playing a pivotal role in its growth and development each year.
Taking on a mentorship role with participants, she has embedded herself in the program to ensure it keeps meeting the needs of young farmers and continues to excite them about a career in dairy.
“The Proud to be a Dairy Farmer program exposes young people passionate about the industry to different ideas and perspectives,” Ms Lane said.
“The program is an opportunity for them to spend time off farm with other like-minded people, learning, connecting and building their passion for the industry.
“I love being part of it each year and seeing the difference it makes first-hand to those just starting out.
“As a younger first-generation dairy farmer myself, I wouldn’t be where I am today without a strong support network of people who love what they do in dairy, which is where my passion for Proud to be a Dairy Farmer comes from.”
The Proud to be a Dairy Farmer program has seen close to 75 participants go through the program since its inception in 2021.
The 2024 program saw the largest pool of applications yet, with the final 25 participants selected from farms supplying 14 different dairy processors, across all states in Australia, cementing its status as a nationwide, whole-of-industry program.
2024 participant from Naringal, Romar Grolleman, found the opportunity to take part in the program a chance to connect with other young farmers from across the industry.
“It was a great opportunity to get to know likeminded people from around the country with the same passion for dairy farming,” he said.
Mr Grolleman said he was able to gain great insights and perspectives from seeing how different farms operate as part of the farm visit program, hearing directly from their owners.
“The farms were so different in comparison to each other, but both well-run farms,” he said.
“To hear the owners speak with passion about their farms and how they see the future of dairy farming gave me energy.”
Having completed the program, Mr Grolleman came away with a sense of reinforced passion for the industry, solidifying his desire for a long-term career in dairy farming and the community that surrounds it.
“What really inspired me was the energy from the whole group,” he said.
“It was great to see so many young people, from all over Australia.
“It did not matter if you are milking a couple thousand cows or only 100.
“Some grew up on a dairy farm and others only joined the industry in the last couple of years.
“Everyone shared the same passion.”
The 2025 program will run in Melbourne from February 25-27 next year and will include guest speakers on a range of topics including farm operating models, pathways to farm ownership, industry structures, and mental health.
It will also include a formal dinner with industry leaders and a day dedicated to farm and factory visits.
Interested dairy farmers and dairy employees can find more information and apply by visiting www.proudtobeadairyfarmer.com.au.
Applications close on November 6.
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