Since the storms and floods of early 2021 devastated the region, Dairy NSW has played a crucial role in driving industry recovery and development through Program 3: Supporting Industry Development in Dairy. Below is an overview of the program’s achievements and how each project activity has contributed to a stronger, more resilient dairy sector across New South Wales.
Project Activity Highlights
1. Leadership Development
This initiative has successfully provided leadership training to individuals across the dairy supply chain, preparing the next generation to lead and support their peers effectively. Through targeted mentoring, coaching, and professional development, this project identified emerging leaders who are now equipped to help the industry adapt to future challenges. Their newly acquired skills in both personal and professional growth will help shape a collaborative, resilient dairy community.
2. Workforce Attraction and Retention
With ongoing workforce challenges in the dairy industry, this project explored key strategies to attract and retain skilled staff. Through intensive research and engagement, Dairy NSW developed strategies to foster a stable, healthy work culture that encourages long-term employee retention. Over the past two years, 252 employees have been successfully placed on farms, contributing to the industry’s workforce sustainability. Additionally, the team’s participation in 66 school and career events highlighted the range of rewarding careers in dairy to the next generation of potential employees.
3. New Entrant Support and Succession Planning
For many new entrants to dairy, establishing a pathway to success is crucial. This initiative outlined clear steps for newcomers to progress towards ownership of dairy farms, addressing barriers to entry and fostering long-term industry sustainability. By providing support for succession planning, this project has not only encouraged investment but has also promoted retention of skilled farmers post-storm and flood, helping to preserve NSW’s pool of future industry leaders.
4. Supporting Excellence in Service Provision
The SFIRP team identified and addressed gaps in dairy service provision, working to upskill new and existing providers across NSW. By enhancing collaboration between dairy and adjacent industries, this project enabled a unified service network that dairy farmers can rely on in times of crisis, including extreme weather events. Through initiatives like the "Mentoring the Future of Dairy" program, which saw 40 mentors and mentees connect in a peer-to-peer knowledge-sharing setup, the program emphasised skill-building and service excellence.
5. Supporting Farm Business Feeding System Decision-Making
In a step towards environmental sustainability and cost-efficiency, this project developed a user-friendly tool to help farmers assess and plan their feeding systems. The tool aids farmers in making informed investments while also adhering to environmental compliance standards, thereby supporting sustainable business practices. This focus on optimising feeding systems helps build a resilient sector better prepared for economic and environmental pressures.
6. Promoting the Ongoing Value of the Dairy Industry
To enhance public trust and attract new labour and investment, SFIRP focused on communicating the value of the NSW dairy industry. Through partnerships, Dairy NSW connected with key media channels to raise industry visibility, reaching a broader audience with a positive message about dairy’s role in the economy and community. The team’s participation in agricultural shows, milking demonstrations, and school presentations underscored dairy’s significance, increasing consumer engagement and support for the industry.
Notable Achievements
The outcomes of Program 3’s initiatives have had a meaningful impact on the NSW dairy community. Here are some of the highlights:
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252 on-farm employees were placed over the past two years, contributing to workforce sustainability.
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66 school and career events promoted dairy industry careers, inspiring future generations.
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The Young Dairy Network Conference welcomed 100 attendees for skill-building and networking.
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40 participants in the "Mentoring the Future of Dairy" program, supporting personal and professional growth.
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Dairy NSW partnered with "A Smart Farmer" to conduct milking demos at 11 rural shows, enhancing public understanding.
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32 NSW dairy businesses were showcased on the Dairy Destinations website, boosting tourism and community engagement.
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207 people across the dairy supply chain have engaged in skill development opportunities, strengthening industry capability.
About the Program
The SFIRP was designed to address long-term resilience in the dairy sector following the significant weather events of 2021. Spread across three program phases, the initiative aimed to bolster NSW’s dairy industry through community collaboration, skill development, and strategic planning. Through these activities, the program has fostered a resilient, vibrant, and profitable industry that will continue to benefit regional communities for years to come.
Looking Ahead
As SFIRP draws to a close in December, we can proudly reflect on the achievements of Program 3 and the collective efforts of the dairy industry in NSW. These projects and outcomes are a testament to the resilience and innovation of our dairy community.
For more information on this activity, or to access the programs and services delivered by the Storm and Flood Industry Recovery Program, please connect with our team, visit our website, or visit the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development website.
