Popular youth program celebrates developing dairy leaders of the future

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.

Jane Napier, Birganbigil, Deniliquin, New South Wales, attended 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," Miss Napier said.

"I was keen to get on board as well, it sounded like a good initiative.

"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."

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.

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.

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," she said.

"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.

"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."

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," he said.

"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."

Applications for the 2026 Proud to be a Dairy Farmer program will open in October 2025.

The program runs in February each year.