The Strzelecki Lions Club will host the South Gippsland Dairy & Farming Expo in Korumburra on September 3 and 4.
This year marks the 26th anniversary of the expo, dedicated to showcasing the latest innovations, products and services available to the dairy industry.
Farming seminars are a highlight of the expo, and this year Matt Harms from ONFARM Consulting will host the feature session on Wednesday, September 3 at 11am titled ‘Behind every great glass of milk is someone remarkable: Not all heroes wear capes, some wear gumboots’.
Hear about the incredible journeys of Russell Follett, David and Penny Conn, who are large-scale dairy and beef farmers across multiple states; Peter Notman, a seed merchant and dairy farmer; Colin Wright, a respected rural accountant; and John Versteden, a dairy farmer and industry stalwart.
The session is sponsored by South Gippsland Shire Council, and will be followed by the Gippsland Dairy Industry Leadership Group launching its newly completed Gippsland Dairy Industry Strategy.
Another important event is the Dairy Industry Association of Australia’s Gippsland Networking Lunch on Thursday, September 4, from 11.30am to 1pm. Visit: https://diaa.asn.au/events
Farmers can also join a two-hour tour of Mt Lyall Dairies, the Lancey family’s farm in Nyora, which is home to a new 100-stand rotary dairy and loafing barn.
Attendees will also enjoy a live drone demonstration on the farm. It’s a must-see tour for anyone interested in modern dairy infrastructure, efficiency and innovation.
Farmers attending the expo can register their interest in the complimentary bus departing on Wednesday, September 3 at 2.30pm. Alternatively, on-farm parking will be available at the Lancey farm.
To register your interest in attending. book at: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1431647
Udder Truth Show Bag Competition
Sponsored by South East Organic Fertilizer, participants must be farmers aged 18 and over who can enter by collecting one of 200 show bags at the gate and answering 17 out of 20 questions. Request stamps on your card from the corresponding exhibitors.
The first card drawn with 17 correct answers and the necessary stamps will win $3000 for first prize, $1500 for second prize and $500 for third prize. The winner will be announced at 2.30pm on Thursday, September 4.
Participating companies include: Easy Dairy Automation Systems, Jantec Systems, Brown’s Fertiliser, Dairy Shelters Australia, MaxCare, East Coast Generators, Ridley, Travel Managers – Poowong, Burra Foods, Achmea Insurance, Redei – Renewable Energy Solutions, Green Mate Agriculture, Reid Stockfeeds, Alltech Lienert, Agriculture Victoria, South East Organic Fertilizer, GippsDairy, Lely, Hick Seeds and NEX Business Farming Wellness.
The Gumboot Gift
On Thursday, September 4, at 1.30pm, don’t miss the annual 120-metre gumboot footrace offering a $4000 prize pool.
Participants must wear authentic farm-type gumboots (no fitted styles allowed).
This year’s Gumboot Gift event is sponsored by: Lardner Cattle Sales, Jefferis Livestock & Transport, Walker Electrical Contracting, Countrywide Clothing, Levey Engineering, Farm Depot, IGA Korumburra, Nacas truck’n ag, Devin Hance, Carringtons at Loch, Lectaire Auto Electrics & Air Conditioning, S.G. Hire & Sales, The Burra Barber, Nutrien Ag Solutions, JJ’s Waste and Recycling, Area Specialist Jack Gilchrist, and T & G Mechanical Repairs.
Expo sponsors
Gold sponsors: Apiam Animal Health - ProDairy, Brandt, Burra Foods, Dairy Pumping Systems, Easy Dairy Automation Systems, Evans Petroleum BP/Castrol, GEA Farm Technologies Australia Pty Ltd, GippsDairy, Green Mate Agriculture Pty Ltd, Lely, Metalform Ag (Town and Fert), nbn Local Gippsland, Rabobank, Reid Stockfeeds, Saputo Dairy Australia, DeLaval, Dairy Protect, SRH Milk Haulage and Vic Silos.
Silver sponsors and media partners: Poowong Dairy & Hardware, South Gippsland Shire Council, Dairy News Australia, The Warragul Gazette and Sentinel-Times.
Funds raised from the expo have allowed the Strzelecki Lions Club to contribute more than $630,000 back to the community and support various Lions projects.
Planning for the expo begins each January, with monthly meetings leading up to the event to ensure its success.
The South Gippsland Dairy & Farming Expo is on September 3 and 4 at the Korumburra Showgrounds, from 10am to 3pm daily. Cost is $15, children under 16 enter for free.
For more information, phone Deanne Kennedy on 0419 878 055 or email: dairyexpo@jaydee.net.au