Fodder in Dairy Workshop targets Young People
The Australian Fodder Industry Association (AFIA) is partnering with Murray Dairy to host the first ‘Fodder in Dairy Workshop’ on Thursday 19 June. The organisers are encouraging all young people with an interest in the dairy and fodder industries to get involved in this free event.
“The ‘Fodder in Dairy Workshop’ will provide useful information as well as create networking opportunities for those involved in the fodder and dairy industries” said AFIA Industry Development Manager Caitlin Scholfield “The event is supported by AFIA’s ‘Gen Ag’ and Murray Dairy’s ‘Young Dairy Network’, and is sponsored by the ‘Young Dairy Network of Australia’, Feed Central along with Murray Dairy’s ‘Natural Resource Management’ program”.
“The workshop is not only a chance to better understand the role that fodder plays in both industries, but also an opportunity to build networks across the fodder and dairy sectors” Ms Scholfield said.
“We have lined up presentations that cover key aspects of the fodder and dairy supply chains” Ms Scholfield said. “Dairy Farm Consultant, Geraldine Perkins, will speak on the importance of fodder quality in optimising productivity, and therefore profitability in dairy farm businesses, Tom Acocks will speak on the crucial role that fodder plays in his large scale dairy business, and Charlie Williams will discuss the many issues associated with large scale fodder production”.
The workshop will also include visits to two prominent farms in north central Victoria. Riversdale Dairy is operated by Tom Acocks at Rochester and is currently milking 850 cows and feeding up 400 replacement calves and heifers. Jenharwil Baling at Elmore is a large scale fodder producing cooperative supplying hay to the domestic and export markets.
Dairy Farm Consultant Geraldine Perkins who will be presenting at the Workshop said“If these two industries can improve their understanding of one other, and create more open communication channels, then it will be a win-win situation for everyone.”
“While learning about the production of fodder, and its key role in producing milk, participants will get the chance to tour these two unique farms, learn from established business operators and hear how they have grown their businesses over time” Mrs Perkins said.
“Networking is a key component of this event and in order to foster this, the day will conclude with a networking lunch at Jenharwil Baling” concluded Mrs Perkins.
The ‘Fodder in Dairy Workshop’ is a free event and any young person involved in the fodder or dairy industries are encouraged to attend. The workshop will commence with morning tea at 9.30am at Riversdale farm near Rochester and conclude with lunch at 1pm at Jenharwil Baling Elmore.
Contact Caitlin Scholfield of AFIA, on 0417 962 991 on caitlin@afia.org.au or Geraldine Perkins of Murray Dairy on 0409 577 317 or geraldineP@murraydairy.com.auto register your interest or to find out more about this event.