It is that time of the year again when dairy farming women get the opportunity to leave the farm behind and head off to one of the premium dairy events of the year — Cream of the Crop.
This year’s event will be held at Dunkeld from July 27 to 29 and organiser Chloe Brown said it was going to be a good one.
“We have some fabulous guest speakers this year, a great panel and some wonderful tours on the second day,” Chloe said.
Guest speakers include Olympia Yarger who is the founder and CEO of Goterra, a business that uses insects to turn food waste into valuable products.
Elle Moyle from Pathfinder Angus will talk about her business, which will also feature in a farm tour on the second day.
Rachel Durie will present on AI and how it can be used on farm, while Fiona Smith is back again for the second time, and she will be talking about building wealth in your business, no matter how old you are.
This year’s panel discussion will focus on women’s health and include a doctor, an osteo and a nutritionist.
“We will be covering a whole range of women’s health topics and the importance of looking after ourselves physically and mentally,” Chloe said.
Workshops will feature building wealth, building a business and how to use AI.
“It really is a great line-up and are visiting AgVic on day two looking at trial sites and maximising pasture growth.”
Chloe said this was the fifth year for COTC.
“I always learn something every single time we host an event,” Chloe said.
“It is so good to be involved from something from the beginning and watch it grow and evolve into something women love coming too.
“It’s also great to see women outside our region who love to come along — it can be tricky to prioritise a few nights away, but it really is an incredible opportunity to connect with other women in the industry,” Chloe said.
She said without the support of sponsors, many of whom had been with the event from the start, it would be hard to deliver such a great few days.
Anna Kenna milks 1050 cows in south-west Victoria.
She has attended every single COCT event.
She said initially it was a chance to get away from the business for a couple of days — now she looks forward to the event itself and all the opportunities and networking it provides.
“It is great to get among other like-minded dairy women who are looking to grow their business and their personal development — I look forward to going every year,” Anna said.
She said as the years had progressed, the event had grown and got better every year.
“There is always an opportunity to take home many messages — sometimes I wish my husband was there to hear it,” Anna said.
“You can’t beat the fact it is run by dairy farming women for dairy farming women.”
Tickets for the event are available from www.creamofthecropau.com
“We have 150 tickets for sale and we usually sell out, so if you want to come along, don’t leave it too late,” Chloe said.