Women in dairy celebrated at Annual Ladies Lunch

Up to 80 women from the dairy industry came together in Beachport and the Adelaide Hills last week, as part of two DairySA Ladies Lunch Events.

Following tradition, the guest list included local farmers, employees, and service providers – offering the women an opportunity to catch up, network and share stories.

On Thursday 24 November, the highly anticipated event kicked off at Beachport Brewing Co. with a tour and taste led by local owner Kate Wheal, followed by a relaxing two-course lunch at Bompas Courtyard Restaurant.

Guests were inspired by business woman and mother Kate who spoke about her career venture from Melbourne magazine editor to Limestone Coast farmer. Kate also offered insight by detailing the triumphs and challenges that have come with founding her family’s Certified Free Range premium pork brand, Beachport Berkshires.

From the picturesque coast to the heart of the Adelaide hills, DairySA also enjoyed the company of SA’s central women in dairy on Friday 25 November at Grunthal Brew - a venue that combines beer, wine, gin, cheese, and Adelaide Hills crafted foods.

The day’s itinerary offered a cheese and wine tasting to start, led by guest speaker Sheree Sullivan who worked for 22 years in an executive role at Udder Delights – one of the nation’s largest producers of Brie. Sheree recently led the business into its next chapter at Grunthal Brew, turning her hand from one fermentation to another as she moved from cheese making to brewing. Dairy industry members enjoyed the venue’s hospitality offerings during a wonderful sit-down lunch which followed the talk and tasting.

While the chance to travel off-farm and wine and dine for the day is always a drawcard for South Australia’s women in dairy, the networking element is a highlight. This year was no different according to Michele from South East dairy farm Hamilton’s Run, “Meeting other dairying females and hearing about other’s work stories is always a feature of the day.”