Fonterra farmers celebrate five years of Proud to be a Dairy Farmer
Twenty-eight young dairy farmers from across Australia descended on Melbourne to take part in the Proud to be a Dairy Farmer program, held on 25 – 27 February 2025, for an experience designed to enrich their knowledge, skills, and passion for dairy.
Now in its fifth year, the program is delivered by the Fonterra Australia Suppliers’ Council (FASC), focusing on building connections and confidence in young dairy farmers, while showcasing the many rewarding career pathways available within the industry.
Attracting 100 applications for the 2025 program, the final 28 selected represented five different states of Australia and nine dairy processors, highlighting the program’s growth and development into an industry-wide experience for the next generation of dairy.
Birganbigil dairy farmer, Jane Napier, on the program’s farm tour in Labertouche, Gippsland.
Jane Napier travelled from Deniliquin, New South Wales to attend the program after hearing from her sister who completed it last year. She said her sister hasn’t stopped talking about it since.
“My younger sister Tabitha joined last year and got so much out of it. I was keen to get on board as well, it sounded like a good initiative,” she said.
“The farm visits were incredibly valuable. Everyone has different farming systems and it’s been quite eye-opening to see green pastures, it’s very different compared to where I come from.
“A highlight was the exposure to farmers who were willing to share their wealth of knowledge and an enthusiasm to pass it on to young farmers like me,” Jane said.
Building knowledge through theory and practice
Over three days, participants took part in conference activities and spent a full day attending farm and factory tours, gaining both theory and practice within the industry to further themselves and their careers.
In Labertouche, Gippsland, the group visited two dairy farms that provided insight into both small and large-scale operations. Each visit demonstrated different pathways to farm ownership while providing practical examples of running a small or large farm business and overcoming financial and mental challenges.
"You can’t underestimate the power of a strong network – young farmers need these networks and encouragement to keep at it and lead dairy into the future."
While touring Fonterra Oceania’s Bayswater factory, the group were given a behind-the-scenes look at how dairy snacking products are produced and packed, ready for the supermarket shelves.
During the conference, participants heard from industry speakers, including Fonterra Oceania on the journey of milk across the dairy supply chain, Gardiner Foundation on industry support, and Dairy Australia on the role of industry bodies and how to get involved.
Guest speaker Wayne Schwass, former Australian Football League (AFL) great and founder of mental health organisation, PukaUp, spoke to the importance of mental health.
Networks key to success
Fonterra Australia Suppliers’ Council Director and southwest Victorian dairy farmer, Brooke Theodore, who hosted this year’s program, said the goal was to help participants connect and build a strong network to support a long-term career in the industry.
“One of my favourite parts of the program is the first hour we spend together as a group. This is where participants get out of their comfort zone to stand in front of the room and talk about who they are, where they’re from and what they love about dairy,” she said.
“Everyone in the room can immediately feel the strong connection back to each other, and they realise they’re all passionate about the same thing.
“You can’t underestimate the power of a strong network – young farmers need these networks and encouragement to keep at it and lead dairy into the future.”
Enjoying the day of farm tours in Gippsland; the program’s 28 participants were from five states in Australia, and represented nine different dairy processors.
Gala Dinner brings together the biggest names in industry
The program ended with a Gala Dinner with industry representatives at MoVida Aqui in Melbourne.
It brought together leaders from across the industry including Bega, Saputo, Bulla, United Dairy Farmers of Victoria, Dairy Australia, Australian Dairy Farmers, Dairy Farmers Victoria, Australian Dairy Products Federation, Gardiner Foundation and the Australian Dairy Conference.
Fonterra Oceania Managing Director David Breckenridge enjoyed the opportunity to connect with industry leaders and reflect on how far the program had come.
“Five years ago, the Fonterra Australia Suppliers’ Council identified a need to nurture the next gen of dairy farmers.
“To think they started with 12 participants from only Fonterra farms; to now having 100 applications, representing all major processors. It’s an exciting time for this program and the industry.
“We look forward to supporting the program in 2026 and beyond,” David said.
Applications for the 2026 Proud to be a Dairy Farmer program will open in October 2025. The program runs in February each year. To find out more, visit www.proudtobeadairyfarmer.com.au.