During the tour, farmers visited 10 dairy farms, ranging from large scale TMR systems, pasture based systems and a robotic milking system. 

The tour originated from the Taree Dairy Discussion Group which has brought together 80 farmers to discuss seasonal conditions and other topics.

The NSW Young Dairy Network had a strong presence on the tour with Hunter Local Land Services sponsoring seven young farmers to go on the tour - Abbey Smeets, Sophie Burns, Adam Cooke, Kate Forbes, Tim Wilson, David Brown and Brendon Pearce.

Kate Forbes of Gloucester enjoyed visiting different farms and “listening to each farmer talk about how he got to where he is today.”

“Each farmer had a different story to tell, and a different way of doing things, meaning there is more than one way of being successful in this industry.

“If you have a goal that you want to work towards, there are multiple ways to achieve it.”

Kate and the other young farmers were interested in the technological advancements in the dairy industry. 

“I learnt a lot more about the wide range of technology available within the dairy industry including robotic milking, automatic teat sprayers and monitors for heat detection,” she said.

The sponsorship recipients will now apply what they learnt back home. 

“It has given me many ideas to apply to our farm, one of our main goals is to build a calf shed to give our calves the best possible start,” said Sophie Burns who farms with her partner Adam Cooke at Pampoolah.

“We will focus more on our breeding lines and breeding better cows.” 

“We have already done a succession plan for the next three years and five to 10 years,” said Adam.

On top of learning, the tour was great for networking. 

“It provided me the opportunity to network with other young and older farmers,” said David Brown of Wingham. David said this helps provide additional support, friendship, ideas and motivation.

The NSW Young Dairy Network hopes to seek more funding and support for young people to enter the industry as the capital costs can be a significant barrier.

“There are a great number of young people working in the industry or wanting to get into the industry, which inspires me to connect with them and provide them with opportunities like this,” NSW Young Dairy Network co-ordinator Sam Nicholson said.

“I would also like to give a big thank you to Tim Brown from Ridley’s Agriproducts as this tour wouldn’t have happened without him.”