Young dairy leaders for NZ study tour
Katherine Byrne of Ellinbank is one of five Gippslanders selected for a New Zealand Study Tour.
Five people have been selected for the study tour which is organised by the United Dairyfarmers of Victoria and funded by the Gardiner Foundation.
The program, now in its eighth year, integrates Australian farmers into a global dairy network. As well as Katherine Bryne, other successful applicants in Gippsland include: Ashlee Bloxidge (Nar Nar Goon), Elspeth Field (Tinamba), Rhiannon Parry (North Wonthaggi) and Sharnie Johnson (Nambrok).
The South Island of NZ is home to some of the world’s leading dairy and processing facilities, and is renowned for being ahead of the curve in regards to farming, processing techniques and research.
The NZ Study Tour provides successful applicants with development opportunities to engage and learn from farmers as well as representatives of industry organisations such as the Federal Farmers of NZ.
Gardiner Dairy Foundation interim ceo Clive Noble described the 2018 participants as an exceptional group of young leaders, eager for individual and collective development.
“The calibre of applicants this year is a tribute to the level of quality young farmers we have in the Victorian dairy industry. Each applicant has shown determination and an interest to learn about farming in NZ and to work together for a stronger and more united dairy industry in Victoria,” Dr Noble said.
Elspeth Field said she was excited to participate in this study tour, “I heard about the NZ Study Tour from a friend who was involved two years ago who received a lot out of the experience. Everyone speaks very highly of the NZ farming industry and their advances in farming technology.”
“I think that the study tour will help provide me with knowledge on how other young farmers operate, which I hope to use in practise on the farm and in the Gippsland community when I come home,” she said.
The study tour will begin in February 2018 and all participants will have the opportunity to broaden their horizons to many more dairying possibilities that extend beyond one singular geographical location or culture.