This year Kirkstall farmer, Chloe Brown (CB), Agronomist, Emily Walsh (EW) and Jancourt East Farmer, Harm –Jan Pol (HP), travelled to the Gold Coast to learn and be inspired.
They share their reflections on their ADC experience.
What did you learn at the Australian Dairy Conference 2025?
CB: There are so many learnings I’ve taken away from the conference. A real highlight was Claire Booth’s session around the legality of a farming business, which was incredibly informative. I also found a lot of benefit from the question asked of us ‘Are we open to opportunities, and when they present are we prepared to take them?’
EW: How do you sum up nearly three days of learning! I now understand more about opportunities and being ready to take them; everyday working toward a plan for that pivotal moment an opportunity arises that could be the turning point in your life.
Another lesson was from guest speaker Leigh Sales, a journalist whose message was about the importance of actively listening and the benefits it can provide you with.
I learnt a new way to look at innovation, that it isn’t solely technologically based, it can be the small simple improvements on farm that create bigger impact. Talking among other likeminded individuals, I learnt a lot surrounding the industry’s values and the importance of taking care of our farmers in the dairy industry.
HP: The ADC provided insights into new innovations in the dairy industry, which I hope to implement on the farm in the future to improve operations. I gained valuable knowledge on succession planning and the key factors that contribute to successful share farming.
What was your favourite part of the conference?
CB: The networking opportunity was the best part. I made the most of the time to extend my network, with the conversations I had during dinner some of the most memorable and impactful for today and for the opportunists they might present into the future.
EW: My favourite part was the feeling of inspiration and clarity listening to industry leaders and progressive farmers. The likes of Paul Roderick, Claire Booth, Clint Stephens, Sarah Crosthwaite, Josie Angus or the opportunities that David and Penny Conn had given farmers, and the stories of hardship and success for Jen and Don Stolp.
HP: My favorite part of the event was the session ‘Farming in Australia – The Land of Opportunity.’ This session really resonated with me because my family took the same path coming from the Netherlands to Australia for better opportunities. Led by Nathan Scott, it featured dairy farmers Clint Stephens and Brian Corr, whose journeys were very different and very inspiring. Another highlight for me was the session with Claire Booth. She provided a lawyer’s perspective on share farming, breaking down different elements that need to be considered before establishing a solid succession plan.
What will you change or do after attending the conference?
CB: I’ve had so many thoughts and reflections after leaving the conference, with the main focus on how we as an industry support our farmers to be ready for when an opportunity presents itself. Whether this is a transition into ownership, growing existing businesses, or preparing for the end of a farming business.
EW: I felt very reassured in the direction I have within my career and within my practices as an agronomist. In terms of my YDN leadership role, I can see a lot of potential to utilise networks I have made at the ADC to take back to our team and create some incredible opportunities for young farmers.
HP: Everything I have learned will definitely be beneficial in organizing my share farming adventure and transitioning into farm business ownership.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
CB: I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to attend the conference and feel empowered, inspired and supported in my role and farming business. Thanks to you Gardiner Foundation and WestVic Dairy.
EW: I am extremely grateful for the opportunity WestVic Dairy and Gardiner Foundation provided me with to be a part of the 2025 ADC. What an incredible industry we are a part of.
HP: It was a very interesting experience and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to attend the ADC.
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