“It’s always good for farmers to get off the farm and talk to like-minded farmers, have dinner and let their hair down,” said Natasha Yarrington, the newly elected chairperson of Mid Coast Dairy Advancement Group.
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The most recent annual DAGS dinner attracted 270 people, including 200 farmers and 70 service providers representing the 40 sponsors.
It’s one of the rare opportunities for dairy farmers and those working in the industry to take stock and celebrate their achievements.
“That’s one of the things with the dinner being once a year. A lot of farmers make more of an effort to get there and the event has grown a reputation."
This year’s guest speaker was Tony Mowbray, a sailor who led the Solo Globe Challenger crew during the fatal 1998 Sydney to Hobart yacht race, in which six sailors lost their lives.
“He talked about resilience and being in the Sydney to Hobart and for the 15 hours he thought his life was over and then how he went on to do an around the world trip,” said Natasha.
“He’s seen his fair share of tough times.”
Natasha took on the chairperson role only two weeks before the dinner and her first official task was to give the welcome speech.
The mum of four is the first female DAGS chairperson in its 30-year history.
“It’s a bit exciting. It shows change within the industry and progression.
“Having three daughters I want to be a role model to them. For Jack as well but to show my girls that gender shouldn’t make any difference in a very male dominated industry,” she said.
Natasha has been on the committee for three years and deputy chairperson for the past two.
The DAGS region takes in Kempsey to Bulahdelah and out to Gloucester and the committee includes members from each area, both farmers and service providers.
Lauren Green
Lauren has been a journalist with the Manning River Times since 2001.
Lauren has been a journalist with the Manning River Times since 2001.
