As we navigate through a period of evolution in our industry support structures, I'm reminded daily of why our work at Dairy Australia in Murray matters so much.
Our fundamental mission remains crystal clear: to support dairy farmers in our region to build sustainable, profitable operations that can thrive through whatever challenges come their way.
Team built for connection
We are fortunate to have an exceptional team, each bringing unique expertise and genuine passion for our dairy community.
Ross Read and Lauren Mackey, our extension team, are the bridge between research and practical on-farm application.
Ross and Lauren are helping to make sure you have access to knowledge that can make a real difference to your bottom line.
Working alongside them, Phoebe Dillon and Laura Morfield serve as our farm engagement leads, and their role is critical to our operations.
Rather than a ‘tick-box’ visit, they’re sitting down with farmers, understanding each operation’s unique challenges and goals, and helping chart pathways to sustainable profitability.
We know that no two farms are exactly alike, and this personalised approach recognises this.
We know (from experience) that farming doesn’t follow business hours or calendar years.
Droughts don’t wait for scheduled appointments, market volatility doesn’t respect workshop timetables, and feed challenges certainly don’t align with quarterly planning cycles.
This means we’ll be operating with an agility that allows us to respond to seasonal pressures before they arise, providing support when you need it most.
Equity across our region
In partnership with the Murray Dairy Board, we recognise the need to ensure every dairy farmer has equitable access to services across the entire Murray region.
You might be managing 50 cows in the western reaches or 500 in the north-east, but you deserve the same quality of support and access to resources.
Our extension staff deliver specialised knowledge-building workshops to support the real challenges farmers face, while our engagement team leads seek to build genuine relationships with farmers, understanding their specific circumstances, and creating a bespoke support plan to help you navigate a path forward — for the long run.
This combination of group learning and individual support creates a comprehensive safety net for our farming community.
Looking forward
I’m confident in our team’s ability to deliver what matters most to Murray region dairy farmers.
We’re here, we’re committed and we’re excited about what we can achieve together.
That’s the foundation we’re building on, and it’s one that will serve our dairy community well for years to come.
For more information about services and support available in your area, contact the team at: dairyaustralia.com.au/murray/team
– Kylie McKee is the regional manager for Dairy Australia in Murray.