South Gippsland Dairy Expo heads online

This year's South Gippsland Dairy Expo is heading online, with more than 100 exhibitors presenting their products and services.

Hosted by the Strzelecki Lions Club, this year will celebrate 21 years of providing the local dairying community with an event that showcases the latest in innovation, products and services available to the dairy industry.

More than $590,000 has been raised through the event, distributed back into the community by the Lions club.

Back by popular demand, Matt Harms, from OnFarm Consulting is hosting an event from the cloud titled ‘Dairy Snakes and Ladders - It’s a gamble'.

Featuring panel members Evan Campbell from Yannathan and Phillip Ould and Paul and Louise Sherar from Loch, the event will explore real life instances of farmers who have taken the plunge by investing in dairying.

Sponsored by South Gipplsand Shire Council, Mr Harms will explore the gains to be made, what the losses can look like and what are the pitfalls for people to be aware of before they embark on an expansion in a challenging industry.

Each panellist will also share their experience and journey of making the leap and how they got there, whether it be with outside equity or surplus stock accumulated from their farm.

Secondary students will get a glimpse into the careers available in dairy through Virtual Ag Careers, an initiative of GippsDairy, Murray Dairy and WestVic Dairy which will be a feature at this year’s expo.

Secondary school students will also go into the running for a $500 school and a $100 student individual/team prize by researching career information from online exhibitors.

Access to the South Gippsland Dairy Expo online event is free. No pre-registration necessary.

“Obviously 2020 has been a challenging time for many, and it is never more important than it is now for our community groups to be able to raise money to help those that may be in need,” event organisers said.

“The Strzelecki Lions Club are keen to make this event a huge success, so that they can still contribute in supporting their community through this challenging period. So please help to pay it forward.”

Visit the South Gippsland Dairy Expo online at www.dairyexpo.org.au until Monday, September 21.

For more information, contact event secretary Deanne Kennedy by emailing dairyexpo@jaydee.net.au