The positive and innovative contribution young people are making to Australian dairy was recognised at the Australian Dairy Industry Council’s (ADIC) Business Breakfast this morning, hosted for the first time in partnership with Prime Super.
ADIC Chair, Noel Campbell said young people across dairy’s whole-of-value-chain are driving a forward thinking, enthusiastic approach to existing practices in the industry that will ensure dairy grows to become 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 are 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.
The ADIC supports the continued development and prosperity of young people in dairy by addressing shortfalls in critical resourcing and funding for services to improve education, safety and wellbeing in the dairying community.
Queensland dairy farmer and former Chair of the Australian Dairy Conference, Paul Roderick was the keynote speaker for the breakfast. Mr Roderick spoke to an audience of over 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.
“Leadership comes in many forms. We don’t need hundreds of CEOs or Presidents, but we do need young people to have the confidence to lead their farm businesses and the farm processing sector forward,” Mr Roderick said.
A panel of young dairy talent followed Mr Roderick’s presentation, shedding light on the multiple pathways into dairy and to discuss their personal contributions to the Australian Dairy Industry’s Vision of becoming more prosperous, trusted and world renowned for nutrition than ever before.
Prime Super, as the leading Australian industry super fund with a 20-year history of servicing the farming sector, gave an update on the financial support available to young people in the industry.
“We are driven to investing in the infrastructure needs of the dairy industry,” Mr Baird said.
“With our industry partners, especially Dairy Australia, the ADIC seeks to connect with and support young people across Australian dairy looking to establish a successful career in dairy or transition into a new field within the industry,” Mr Campbell said.
“Through initiatives such as today’s event, we to hope to encourage and inspire the next generation of dairy and help them to understand what opportunities are open to them.”
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E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au