Lindsay Marshall was literally born into the dairy industry.
He’s a fourth generation producer, who continues to provide guidance to the fifth and hopefully sixth generations behind him.
He does it — and so much more — out of his love for the industry, and tries his very best to do it “under the radar”.
But the contribution Lindsay has made to the industry over several decades has never gone unnoticed, which led to him being awarded the Lex Bunn Memorial Award at International Dairy Week in January.
The award is presented for an outstanding contribution to the dairy industry over many years.
It is specifically for those who contribute to the industry but do not seek recognition, and was introduced to the IDW schedule by Brian Leslie in 2002.
The award is voted on by previous recipients.
Lindsay admits to being quite emotional and receiving a “big fright” when he realised he was this year’s recipient.
“I have joined an elite group of people in the cattle breeding business,” he said.
“It is a group of people who have given a lot to the industry, not only in terms of what they do on-farm but also in sponsorship, mentoring youth and encouraging other people.
“These are people who have given more than they have taken — succeeded in what they have achieved and given back — and I never considered myself to be in the same league until my name was called.
“I didn’t expect it, nor was I seeking this kind of recognition. It was a surreal experience and I must admit I got very emotional.
“When Brian Leslie was speaking to the awardee, at the time he was about ready to finish, I remember thinking this bloke had a life just like me. And then my name was called.
“It was quite special to have my wife Nina and our boys Lachlan and Adam there with me.”
Lindsay developed his love of the industry from shadowing his maternal grandfather Joe Colvin and father Arnold Marshall on farms growing up.
He said he and Nina and have been “blessed” that their own sons have taken over the mantle of dairy farming, allowing them to consider semi-retirement a little earlier than originally planned.
And Lindsay said it’s also nice to know that his grandchildren are already showing some interest in continuing the family tradition.
Originally from Queensland, the Marshalls relocated to the Riverina (in southern NSW) in the early 2000s in search of dairy opportunities that were not under the pressure of the Queensland political and climactic conditions.
Discounting Gippsland as too cold, they weighed up all the options for Blighty, and took the leap.
While drought and politics regarding water followed them to their new home, they decided to stick around and see it out.
As well as running the dairy farm over the years, Lindsay has given attention to showing cattle and industry advocacy through Holstein organisations.
He says it has allowed him to meet all sorts of people and travel to all dairy districts across Australia and New Zealand, and consistently improve his own production through what he’s learned.
Some of those connections were made through International Dairy Week.
Lindsay made the trip from Queensland to attend the second annual event in the early 1990s, and has rarely missed a year since.