The tour will visit the South Island of New Zealand over eight days in mid-to-late March 2025.
This year, 12 dairy farmers and dairy industry professionals embarked on an eight-day journey across New Zealand to explore its dairy sector and develop their leadership skills in the process.
South Gippsland dairy farmer and 2024 study tour participant, Mitchell Jones, said gaining insights into how New Zealand farmers tackle regulatory issues was like looking into the future.
“New Zealand farmers are dealing with grazing caps, nitrogen limits and other government regulated items that impact operations,” Mr Jones said.
“It was important for me to gain insight on how they are managing these things.
“It ignited a thirst to get more involved in our industry here. Having experienced what may occur in the next 15 years, is motivation to prepare for those changes, rather than being caught off guard.”
The Gardiner Foundation has been funding the tour since 2008. Now in its 17th year, the New Zealand Study Tour will run with the support of the Australian Dairy Conference, Australian Dairy Farmers and Australian Dairy Products Federation.
Gardiner Foundation chief executive officer Allan Cameron said it was important to learn more about dairy farming in New Zealand to share knowledge for the benefit of our local industries and communities.
“The New Zealand Study Tour offers young dairy professionals — our future industry leaders — a unique chance to immerse themselves in the New Zealand dairy industry,” Mr Cameron said.
“Gardiner Foundation are committed to providing experiential leadership opportunities that deepen knowledge and build leadership capacity across the whole dairy supply chain.”
Applications close at 5pm on Monday, December 2. To apply, visit: https://www.gardinerfoundation.com.au/studytour/
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