An innovative online training program is helping dairy farmers enhance their communications skills to become confident spokespeople for the Australian dairy industry.
The free, nationally accredited 'Developing Legendairy Champions' course, created by Dairy Australia (DA), provides farmers with practical skills and tools on talking publicly to a range of audiences – from the press to the general public, to members of council or at the local primary school.
The inaugural group of 13 farmers completed the highly successful course as a pilot through DA’s education partner, the National Centre for Dairy Education Australia (NCDEA).
Dairy farmer Ali Duckworth, of Swan Creek, NSW, said the course encouraged the group to really think about potential conversations related to the industry.
The training is completed from home at a time that suits farmers, who learn how to write press releases, participate in a press conferences and produce videos.
According to REDgum Communications coach James Freemantle, who led the sessions, the course could help recast public opinion.
Doing sessions online also allowed participants to interact with each other and build a network of farmers wanting to promote the industry.
The course formally launched in August and will run a minimum of four times a year, with spaces available for 15 farmers each time.
Details: www.legendairy.com.au/dairy-farming/our-people/developing-legendairy-champions
