The positive and innovative contribution young people are making to dairy was celebrated at the Australian Dairy Industry Council’s (ADIC) Business Breakfast yesterday.
ADIC chairman Noel Campbell said young people across dairy’s whole-of-value-chain were driving a forward thinking, enthusiastic approach to the industry that would ensure it became more productive, profitable and sustainable in the future.
“Now more than ever the young people in our industry are driving innovation. It is important to recognise as well as foster that talent and skill for the future growth and success of our industry,” Mr Campbell said.
Mr Campbell said there were big opportunities and challenges ahead for dairy, from more open access to key export markets and the growing globalisation of agriculture, to skilled labour shortages and environmental issues.
In his keynote address, Queensland dairy farmer and former Australian Dairy Conference chairman, Paul Roderick
Mr Roderick represents the fifth generation of his family to run a dairy on the Harrisville property in south-east Queensland.
He said key to engaging people, particularly young people, in the industry was treating them with respect and trusting them with responsibility.
“All too often, we see the older generation not giving up control or any responsibility to the generations coming through,” Mr Roderick said.
“More often than not, money is not the motivation for someone to work and continue working on your farm.”
He said joining industry advocacy groups, such as Parmalat farmers negotiating group Premium Milk (of which he is vice-chair) had not only introduced him to leaders in the industry, but had also “revitalises” him for doing farm-work.
“Even though I was young (when I joined that group), my ideas were as valuable as everyone else’s.”
He said that groups has successfully negotiated an endorsed agreement for them to act on behalf of the group of Queensland dairy farms supplying Parmalat.
Mr Roderick spoke to an audience of about 100 young farmers, processors, dairy service representatives and leaders about the opportunities for young people in dairy to take an active role in shaping the future of the industry.
He said getting training, Dairy Australia’s career and leadership programs, and succession planning right were all key to encouraging young people to work in the dairy industry.
“We spoke about succession planning and wills regularly at family events, and it was pretty straight forward in my family because my sisters didn’t want to work on the farm, but it was offered to them.
“My advice is the earlier you start talking about it, the better, and maybe engage a professional.”