Milking new ideas

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Luke Randle from Newry, Gippsland, sees the robotic packaging system at Goulburn Valley Creamery in Kyabram, with operations manager Ben Gledhill, on the Dairy Australia tour.

The Maffra district has a long history in cattle and milk production, but its citizens like to scout around for new ideas.

Luke Randle — from Newry, north-west of Maffra — was part of the Young Dairy Network who made a two-day trip to northern Victoria to see what was happening in another part of the state.

Luke, 27, is a farm manager of a 1200-cow dairy enterprise, and he was keen to meet other people in the industry during the July tour.

“I like what I do, but I also want to meet other people and learn from what other people are doing.”

Luke admits that farming is also his hobby. He loves milking cows and, despite his management responsibilities, still shares in milking duties.

“I’m pretty lucky. I get up each day and do what I love doing.”

He manages 10 staff on the 300-hectare property.