WHAT does the future hold for dairy farming in Victoria?
KATE DOWLER gets some answers from participants in the recent Marcus Oldham College leadership course.
Three budding dairy industry leaders were among the 36 rural Australians who participated in the Marcus Oldham rural leadership course earlier this month.
The annual course taps into the skills of some of the nation's best trainers in rural leadership, such as consultant Mike Stephens and communication consultant Neil Inall, and helps rural people from all fields build skills.
Northern Victorian dairy farmers Tony Flett, from Kyabram, and Robert Schloss, from Tongala, say the course could not have been more timely, given their industry faces one of the toughest seasons on record.
Sophie Hester, 28, is also a dairy farmer, from Colac. Low milk prices are also a worry for her family's operation, but she also sees the need to get youth into agriculture as another major hurdle.
The three farmers give their views on the industry's future.
What's the dairy industry's biggest challenge?
TF: In our local area, it's surviving the next six months. At present we're battling an unprecedented collapse in dairy commodity prices, which has led to savage falls in farmgate prices. On top of this, locally we face a high level of uncertainty over both seasonal conditions and irrigation allocations.
Businesses' ability to remain viable this year will be heavily dependent on favourable seasonal conditions in spring.
It is inevitable that there will be people exiting the industry in the north of the state.
SH: One of the biggest challenges is getting youth to come into the industry. I guess young people can be drawn to the city lights, but we have to work to attract them into dairying.
RS: I think our biggest challenge up here in the north is in front of us. Things are travelling along fairly well, considering the good rain in June. But we know only too well how soon things can turn around once it stops raining.
This, I think, is one of the main concerns (in our region) - will we have a spring or not? A lot of farmers would like the opportunity to conserve as much home-grown fodder as they can (reducing their costs relating to bought-in feeds).
How do you think dairy leaders can address this problem?
TF: It is essential the UDV (United Dairyfarmers of Victoria) keeps the governments, both state and federal, aware of what's happening and push for further funding to help people deal with their circumstances. For example, EC funding, extension of business support and advice grants, continual funding of rural financial counsellors and programs to help the transition from dairying to other employment.
SH: I think groups like the Young Dairy Development Program, of which I'm the chairperson for the Colac branch, is doing some good work to encourage people to come into the industry.
RS: There are a number of strategies farmers can adopt to help them get through the season, but sometimes it is hard for individuals to see a way forward. Farmers need to be made aware of what support is available and who they can turn to for help and advice.
Having seasonal updates last season on milk prices, weather, water, hay and grain was very beneficial for those who attended. I think similar sessions will be essential this season.
I would like groups of farmers formed to meet on a regular basis, to help each other through the season.
How do you plan to be involved in this?
TF: Since completing the leadership program, I feel much more capable of making a meaningful contribution through my involvement with the UDV at a branch and district council level. Groups such as Murray Dairy, which delivers industry programs and organised information sessions, forums and so on, are always looking for more volunteer help and I feel more confident in offering whatever assistance I am able.
SH: My role in the YDDP is how I am involved and it's important we keep this group rolling along and keep up our relations with sponsors like Rural Finance and Genetics Australia. Without them we wouldn't be about to run the group.
RS: With my involvement on the Regional Extension Education Committee, this is an area where I can be involved in helping farmers get through this season. With the REEC we endeavour to deliver to farmers timely information and extension activities and provide a support network for farmers.
On an industry level, we had UDV president Chris Griffin attend a meeting with local farmer members recently, to hear first-hand the issues that farmers are having to deal with in this region.
How will the skills taught during the Marcus Oldhamcourse assist you to do this?
TF: The leadership program has given me a much better understanding of how people communicate, how to avoid some of the problems associated with poor communication and how to work effectively within a team environment.
The dairy industry has a great long-term future. We are producing quality products the world wants, and are competitive on international markets. In the short term, we do have some significant challenges.
SH: The course was a fantastic way to learn more about public speaking, working in groups and making sure everyone involved takes part in the discussion. The skills I've learnt will also help with learning the different behavioural patterns of people in the workplace.
RS: What I have learnt will help me in my role on the committee. Things like creating a vision, being a team player, communicating and building self-awareness.
