This initiative will allow young farmers who might be employees, managers or share farmers, to give us a fresh perspective on industry issues.
Renewal is on the agenda at this year’s United Dairyfarmers of Victoria annual conference, to be held at the MCG later this week.
The UDV has moved a resolution to make the most of young talent by implementing a programme to involve “next generation farmers” in policy decisions.
The motion, if passed, will give two young farmers from each district the opportunity to attend all UDV Policy Council meetings to assist in the transfer of knowledge back to local members.
“Younger farmers are a valuable resource to the dairy industry and we want to encourage them to be more actively involved with policy development,” UDV President Adam Jenkins said.
“This initiative will allow young farmers who might be employees, managers or share farmers, to give us a fresh perspective on industry issues.
The young delegates won’t have voting rights at policy council meetings, but Mr Jenkins said the most important aspect of the motion is to provide personal development.
“We’re grooming the next generation of farmers to take on more fulfilling roles within the dairy industry,” Mr Jenkins said.
“It’s important to have training processes in place to give them an understanding of industry issues and prepare them for the future when they have are more actively representing the industry.”
The move to implement “next generation farmers” is one of four resolutions that will be made at Friday’s conference.
Other resolutions include advocating for upgrades to energy sources in south west dairy regions, lobbying the State Government to fund an upgrade of single wire earth return power lines and engaging with the VFF Water Council to ensure dairy farm businesses are represented on all water issues.
A full copy of conference resolutions can be found here.
The 40th UDV Annual Meeting & Conference will be held on Friday April 15, 2016 from 7.30am at the MCG (Gate 3 access).