More Than Milk

Rachael farms in Southern NSW and today shares her incredibly difficult experience following the milk crash and clawback in 2016 and how it drastically changed their farming system. Alongside partner Craig they had to make decisions and make them quick, including downsizing the herd and reducing the staff to ensure the farm could trade their way out of debt, and whilst it has taken them plenty of blood, sweat and tears they have done just that!  In this chat Rachael openly shares about the relationships with their consultant and creditors and how creating the $500 dollar club ensured everyone was paid, even in the depth of their financial crisis. She shares personal reflections on the impact it had on the community, their family and themselves, providing incredibly valuable insights for anyone facing situations outside of their control such as the clawback or the current drought.  A reminder that this is all general conversation and not specific financial advice, so if you are in severe financial hardship please know you aren't alone and I encourage you to lean on your support networks within Dairy Australia, your farm consultant or advisors or take advantage of the many rural financial counseling services available and check out the Farm Household Allowance to see if you are eligible, because if you used it as Rachael did in 2016, you're 10 year cycle will have reset and you can once again apply. Use this link to see if you are eligible https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/farm-household-allowance Dairy Australia Resources https://www.dairyaustralia.com.au/issues-and-emergencies/grant-and-support-programs   PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY CREAM OF THE CROP  - TICKETS ON SALE NOW Cream of the Crop is a two day conference, providing an opportunity for women in the dairy industry to come together to learn, connect and grow. Recognising the contribution, regardless of their role, they make to the industry and their wider community. Over 110 incredible women joined us in Northern Victoria in 2024, and we are excited to announce we are heading to Warragul in Gippsland on July 29th & 30th 2025. TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW!!! Check out Instagram  or Facebook   or check it out on the Website for all of the details and links to purchase.    If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to podcast.morethanmilk@gmail.com or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.    In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.   

Monique Bryant farms alongside husband Mark in Northern Victoria, and although she has spent time off farm in milk supply and in education, her choice has been and still remains to be farming everyday.  In this chat she shares how they've worked through succession planning on the family farm, how they've faced significant flooding of their milking platform which has led them to expand and grow the business with risk management at the forefront. And she shares about her involvement within the industry and her time as the 2025 Chair for the Australian Dairy Conference Programing Committee.  We cover the topics  - Transition to Full-Time Dairy Farming - Succession Planning - Challenges, Adaption and Flood Management - Farm Expansion - Team Management and Technology - Industry Involvement and Leadership - Future Plans and Reflections   If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to podcast.morethanmilk@gmail.com or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.  In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.   

Sarah Crosthwaite farms alongside her husband Stuart, in the North East of Victoria but her real passion is mental health, starting her own counselling business supporting the mental health and wellbeing of farmers, rural families and a variety of agricultural workers across Australia.  In this chat, Sarah shares how she became an accredited mental health social worker and how she is using her many years of experience in agriculture and dairy to provide support for farmers and service providers facing the many challenges that we experience specific to  farming. She gives really practical tips and strategies to maintain your mental fitness, as well as discussing the role of financial literacy in reducing stress and the importance of communication in relationships, especially in the context of farming families.  We also chat about where to go when you are seeking external support, and the importance of finding the right person, just like finding the right pair of jeans. This chat is very general in nature and not specific therapeutic care, but if you are in need of, or someone you love is struggling please head along to any of the services and resources  TIACS - Free counselling service 8am - 10pm, Monday - Friday Call or Text 0488 846 988; https://www.tiacs.org/how-it-works/ RURAL HEALTH CONNECT - online platform that links people to psychologists over video calls and phone calls.  https://ruralhealthconnect.com.au/ Open Road Counselling - Sarah Crosthwaite https://openroadcounselling.com.au/   CRISIS SUPPORT Lifeline: 131 114  Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467  Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636  Triple Zero: 000   Resources and Tools:  National Centre Farmer Health https://farmerhealth.org.au/ I Farm Well https://ifarmwell.com.au/ Marcus Minds https://www.marcusminds.com/   In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.    If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to podcast.morethanmilk@gmail.com or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.     

Greg Duncan, is the agribusiness program leader at Dairy Australia. Greg shares his fascinating journey into the dairy industry, starting from his family's sheep and potato farming background in Northern Ireland and England. He discusses his diverse role at Dairy Australia, his early memories of growing up on various farms in New South Wales, and his educational path in agricultural science. Greg elaborates on his career progression, including his time at Pfizer Animal Health and his transition to Dairy Australia, where he has been instrumental in developing and delivering farm performance and business-related extension programs. The conversation delves into the importance of strategic planning for dairy farmers, the benefits of the "Our Farm, Our Plan" program, and the shift towards online extension services. Greg also emphasises the need for young farmers to get involved in the industry, the potential for wealth creation in dairy farming, and the importance of community and leadership development.  TOPICS we cover  - Family and Early Life - Education and Early Career - Transition to Dairy Australia - Building Dairy New South Wales - Young Dairy Network and Extension - Online Extension - Our Farm, Our Plan  - Business Focus in Dairy - Future of Dairy and Young Farmers - Dairy Farm Monitor and Business Analysis Dairy Australia: https://www.dairyaustralia.com.au  Our Farm, Our Plan: https://www.dairyaustralia.com.au/farm/our-farm-our-plan [01:02:59] Dairy Base: https://www.dairyaustralia.com.au/farm/farm-business/dairybase [58:27] Farm Business Snapshot: https://www.dairyaustralia.com.au/farm/farm-business/farm-business-snapshot If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to podcast.morethanmilk@gmail.com or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.  In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.   

Grant Rogers worked as a vet in New Zealand before moving to Tasmania to follow his passion to be a farmer. Whilst he admits it was a very steep learning curve, he spent almost 20 years on farm before knowing the time was right to retire and move back into his veterinary practice. Whilst on farm though, he was regularly frustrated by his staff not remembering simple instructions or the seemingly simple steps to move or repair an irrigator, but it's this common frustration that sparked an idea to create Knowby. Knowby is a the tech company providing a web based app for users to create simple step by step instructional guides with short videos, pictures and text which is now used across 30 different industries in 20 countries around the world. For more information head to the website https://www.knowby.co  This chat was recorded during the Australian Dairy Conference where Grant was awarded the ADC Innovator Award for the Knowby Platform.    If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to podcast.morethanmilk@gmail.com or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.  In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY CREAM OF THE CROP  Cream of the Crop is a two day conference, providing an opportunity for women in the dairy industry to come together to learn, connect and grow. Recognising the contribution, regardless of their role, they make to the industry and their wider community. Over 110 incredible women joined us in Northern Victoria in 2024, and we are excited to announce we are heading to Warragul in Gippsland on July 29th & 30th 2025. Keep an eye on Instagram  or Facebook   or check it out on the Website for all of the details.     

Paul Roderick grew up surrounded by dairy and always knew he would return to his family farm which has gone through plenty of changes across the generations. In this week's episode chat he shares about the evolution of the family farm, we chat about grazing grass in the subtropics and the challenges facing not only Queensland dairy but the industry as a whole and he shares why he is passionate about being involved within industry, recently becoming Chair of the Dairy Australia Board. GROUNDS FOR GROWTH CONFERNCE 2025  Dairy Australia is hosting a soil and pasture biodiversity event in Warrnambool on 4-6 March 2025. A first-ever for the Australian dairy industry, Grounds for Growth will support farmers with adopting multi-species pastures and other management practices.  The three-day event focuses on the benefits, challenges and practical dairy farmer experiences of adopting soil and pasture systems to improve soil health and function. It will include a strong panel of expert speakers from Australia and internationally, including regenerative agriculture specialist from Massey University in NZ, Professor Danny Donaghy, and Irish expert on multispecies planting Dr John Finn from Teagsac. Australian farmers who are successfully using biodiverse practices on farm will also present at the event, and there will be in-person and virtual farm tours for attendees. By attending the event, dairy farmers will be better equipped to make informed decisions about the right soil and pasture systems for their individual farming needs. Registration is open and available via the link https://www.dairyaustralia.com.au/soils-and-water/soil-management-and-fertility/grounds-for-growth   If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to podcast.morethanmilk@gmail.com or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.     

Ancret Shipton farms in the Bega Valley, not far from where she grew up, but she never envisioned herself as a farmer. That was until she met Michael, who just wanted to be in dairy. Ancret however considered herself the farmers wife; the sounding board, the support and backstop for Michael's farming dreams. That was until he suddenly passed away after receiving a cancer diagnosis a short 9 weeks earlier that would change their lives forever.  In this incredibly emotive chat, Ancret shares how they progressed from workers, to sharefarmers and into farm ownership, the grief she has experienced since Michael's death, the 2 pages of information and 3 pieces of advice he left her with, how she's managed the farm for the last 4 years with unwavering support from her farming advisors and local community and how she's dealing with the secondary grief of farming without Michael. We recorded this chat late last year, and since then I've often reflected on the resilience Ancret has shown and the many lessons we can all take away from this heartbreaking story, so let's get into it.  In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.    PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY CREAM OF THE CROP  Cream of the Crop is a two day conference, providing an opportunity for women in the dairy industry to come together to learn, connect and grow. Recognising the contribution, regardless of their role, they make to the industry and their wider community. Over 110 incredible women joined us in Northern Victoria in 2024, and we are excited to announce we are heading to Warragul in Gippsland on July 29th & 30th 2025. Keep an eye on Instagram  or Facebook   or check it out on the Website for all of the details.  If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to podcast.morethanmilk@gmail.com or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.         

Andrea Vallance started her working career as a woodwork teacher, but quickly moved into farming after marrying Bruce. Although he wasn't in dairy at the time, agriculture was in his blood, so when an opportunity came to share-farm in Mepunga they jumped at it. They've since built up the business, now currently in an equity partnership, by continually seeking advice and upskilling and always focusing on an efficient grass based system. Andrea is deeply involved within her community and we chat about the Timboon Agricultural Project and Demo Dairy Foundation and her passion for providing educational and career opportunities for the next generation.  You can find out more about the Demo Dairy Foundation on the website and apply for scholarships and grants by clicking the APPLY button.  In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.    If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to podcast.morethanmilk@gmail.com or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.  PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY CREAM OF THE CROP  Cream of the Crop is a two day conference, providing an opportunity for women in the dairy industry to come together to learn, connect and grow. Recognising the contribution, regardless of their role, they make to the industry and their wider community. Over 110 incredible women joined us in Northern Victoria in 2024, and we are excited to announce we are heading to Warragul in Gippsland on July 29th & 30th 2025. Keep an eye on Instagram or Facebook   or check it out on the Website for all of the details and early bird tickets!   

Julie Moore is a self proclaimed dairy tragic, born and bred within dairy, she has enormous passion for cows and has spent her life balancing farming, family and community. And now begins the process of slowing down with retirement in sight. She's spent years donating her time volunteering on a number of agricultural boards including being the current NSW Women in Dairy Treasurer, and has spent the last 10 years showing and stewarding the Guernsey breed at Sydney Royal building up the entrant numbers and helping bridge the gap between the city and agriculture.  In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.    If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to podcast.morethanmilk@gmail.com or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.      PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY CREAM OF THE CROP  Cream of the Crop is a two day conference, providing an opportunity for women in the dairy industry to come together to learn, connect and grow. Recognising the contribution, regardless of their role, they make to the industry and their wider community. Over 110 incredible women joined us in Northern Victoria, and we are excited to announce we are heading to Gippsland in July 2025. Keep an eye on Instagram  or Facebook   or check it out on the Website for all of the details.     

Celina Pellett was an outdoor loving thrill seeker, born in New Zealand on a path to have a very physical career until a freak accident completely changed all of her plans, combining that with covid limiting her ability to find work, it was knocking on a farmers door asking for work that has seen her find a love for dairy she never knew existed.  With a thirst for knowledge, she has jumped straight into learning everything she can, being awarded the 2023 Trainee of the year for Hunter and Central Coast and the NSW Woman in Trade Award. It's a really great chat, so let's get into it. PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY CREAM OF THE CROP  Cream of the Crop is a two day conference, providing an opportunity for women in the dairy industry to come together to learn, connect and grow. Recognising the contribution, regardless of their role, they make to the industry and their wider community. Over 110 incredible women joined us on July 30 & 31st in Northern Victoria, and we are excited to announce we are heading to Gippsland in July 2025. Keep an eye on Instagram  or Facebook   or check it out on the Website for all of the details.    If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to podcast.morethanmilk@gmail.com or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.  In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.     

Nick Hutchinson is the General Manager of Fleurieu Milk Company, having been involved with the company for over 12 years ago, the business & Nick have seen incredible growth over that time, with now over 100 people employed and having complete traceability across their raw milk collection, the processing and distribution of their dairy products.          In today's chat Nick shares how his role began and how it's evolved over the years alongside the continued slow and steady growth of the company with the innovation & efficiency in the manufacturing side of the business. We chat about the patriotic nature of south australians and how they've been able to use that to their advantage with their various product offerings, and the push for a circular economy with the addition of kegs of milk going into retail stores and cafe's. And we chat about the exciting plans within the agritourism space. I am making some exciting plans of my own for 2025, but I need your help, so if you are loving the podcast, I would love to hear from you about what you want 2025 to look like. I am already in conversations about getting to more states and dairying regions to share so many more incredible people & their stories but would love your feedback, so please if you have any suggestions or feedback, good, bad or otherwise please send me a message either direct via the website or on my socials! If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to podcast.morethanmilk@gmail.com or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.    In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.    PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY CREAM OF THE CROP  Cream of the Crop is a two day conference, providing an opportunity for women in the dairy industry to come together to learn, connect and grow. Recognising the contribution, regardless of their role, they make to the industry and their wider community. Over 110 incredible women joined us on July 30 & 31st in Northern Victoria, and we are excited to announce we are heading to Gippsland in JULY 2025. Keep an eye on Instagram  or Facebook   or check it out on the Website for all of the details.   

Brookbora Jersey's has been developing and improving the genetics of the herd for 60 years, with his father and grandfather at the helm, but after the recent death of his dad Robert, it's now Daniel Bacon who is continuing that legacy whilst also forging his own path on the farm. In this chat he shares openly about his time as a nutritionist and his love for fully feeding cows, how an incredible spreadsheet helps them breed with confidence and see them as Number 2 BPI Jersey herd in the country, he shares the changes to the farming system in recent times trying to maintain prioritizing the important things in life, and we chat about the incredible community that has rallied around them since the death of Robert. If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to podcast.morethanmilk@gmail.com or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.  PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY CREAM OF THE CROP  Cream of the Crop is a two day conference, providing an opportunity for women in the dairy industry to come together to learn, connect and grow. Recognising the contribution, regardless of their role, they make to the industry and their wider community. Over 110 incredible women joined us on July 30 & 31st in Northern Victoria, and we are excited to announce we are heading to Gippsland in 2025. Keep an eye on Instagram  or Facebook   or check it out on the Website for all of the details.    In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.   

Victoria Mulchay has always known farming was going to be in her life, but what started as a fill in for the herd manager, at their family corporate business 10 years has into evolved into a separation from the corporate business, construction of 2 compost barns and plans for further expansion with water use efficiency, animal welfare and business sustainability at the forefront. In this week's episode Vic shares openly about the changes on the farm, how they've worked through the planning and buildings of the barns and why they've chosen the compost system.  We were grateful to tour the barn for Day 2 of Cream of the Crop Conference in July.  PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY CREAM OF THE CROP  Cream of the Crop is a two day conference, providing an opportunity for women in the dairy industry to come together to learn, connect and grow. Recognising the contribution, regardless of their role, they make to the industry and their wider community. Over 110 incredible women joined us on July 30 & 31st in Northern Victoria, and we are excited to announce we are heading to Gippsland in 2025. Keep an eye on Instagram  or Facebook   or check it out on the Website for all of the details.    If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to podcast.morethanmilk@gmail.com or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.  In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.     

Jess Gavenlock grew up in the United States, in a large family passionate about cows and was heavily involved in the handling and showing of cattle. But it was whilst on exchange that she met her husband Brad and fell not only in love, but found a home in Australia. They now run Cherrylock Cattle Co in Northern Victoria where they board and manage elite genetics as well as prepping and showing cattle.  If you are wanting to get in touch about maximising your genetics or how they can help in the show ring you can find Cherrylock Cattle Co. on Facebook   PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY CREAM OF THE CROP  Cream of the Crop is a two day conference, providing an opportunity for women in the dairy industry to come together to learn, connect and grow. Recognising the contribution, regardless of their role, they make to the industry and their wider community. Over 110 incredible women joined us on July 30 & 31st in Northern Victoria, and we are excited to announce we are heading to Gippsland in 2025. Keep an eye on Instagram  or Facebook   or check it out on the Website for all of the details.  If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to podcast.morethanmilk@gmail.com or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.  In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.     

  Nick Mignanelli is an energetic young farmer who is focused on doing better every day, whether it's pastures, fencing or breeding, he is making small but impactful changes on farm to get the most out of his patch of dirt in South Australia and has such a great outlook on life and farming.  In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.    PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY CREAM OF THE CROP  Cream of the Crop is a two day conference, providing an opportunity for women in the dairy industry to come together to learn, connect and grow. Recognising the contribution, regardless of their role, they make to the industry and their wider community. Over 110 incredible women joined us on July 30 & 31st in Northern Victoria, and we are excited to announce we are heading to Gippsland in 2025. Keep an eye on Instagram  or Facebook   or check it out on the Website for all of the details.    If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to podcast.morethanmilk@gmail.com or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.     

Sally Bethune is from Lake Boga in Victoria and alongside managing a 1000 cow dairy farm, her and husband Paul have value added to the business in the form of a micro milk processing facility producing milk, yoghurt and Bethune Lane Dairy's star of the show belgian chocolate plus milk. Sally joined me before Cream of the Crop at the end of July, sharing all about her non-traditional farming skills which have since become an essential part the farming business, how the farm has changed drastically over the years and is incredibly open and honest about the many challenges and opportunities when starting a value add.  For a full list of Bethune Lane Dairy Stockists to get some of their products head to the website.  PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY CREAM OF THE CROP  Cream of the Crop is a two day conference, providing an opportunity for women in the dairy industry to come together to learn, connect and grow. Recognising the contribution, regardless of their role, they make to the industry and their wider community. Over 110 incredible women joined us on July 30 & 31st in Northern Victoria, and we are excited to announce we are heading to Gippsland in 2025. Keep an eye on Instagram  or Facebook   or check it out on the Website for all of the details.  In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.   

Emma Poole is a dairy farmer and veterinarian from the Waikato region in New Zealand and joined us at the Cream of the Crop Conference sharing her experience as the first female to win the FMG Young Farmer of the Year in 55 years. In this chat we cover everything from Emma's experience as a vet, the transition to Chris's family farm, their calf rearing & embryo transfer business and the future of calf rearing and dairy more broadly in New Zealand as well as what it takes to win Young Farmer of the Year.  In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to podcast.morethanmilk@gmail.com or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.  PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY CREAM OF THE CROP  Cream of the Crop is a two day conference, providing an opportunity for women in the dairy industry to come together to learn, connect and grow. Recognising the contribution, regardless of their role, they make to the industry and their wider community. Over 110 incredible women joined us on July 30 & 31st in Northern Victoria, and we are excited to announce we are heading to Gippsland in 2025. Keep an eye on Instagram  or Facebook   or check it out on the Website for all of the details.               

Rachael McGrath simply loves Jersey cows, and has a real passion for improving the genetics so they're not only great in the paddock but also perform well in the show ring. Although as a teenager a farming accident fundamentally changed the family farm it was obvious to Rachael that the farm was where she wanted to be. In this chat she shares how she found her love for the farm, how she is working towards the genetic improvements of the herd and how she's developed a passion for showing cows. Rachael was also recently awarded the Young Leader Award at the WestVic Dairy Awards and she shares what she is doing within the industry.  In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to podcast.morethanmilk@gmail.com or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.  About CREAM OF THE CROP  The conference, in it's third year is an opportunity for women in the dairy industry to come together to learn, connect and reflect. Recognising the contribution, regardless of their role, they make to the industry and their wider community.  The 2024 event will be on July 30 & 31, with the first day held in the Dungula Event Centre, Moama, followed by an inclusive evening networking event in Echuca and a then half day tour in the surrounding region.  With a carefully considered 1.5 day program, attendees will have the opportunity to be challenged and inspired by speakers, panels, workshops, and farm and factory tours; as well as having the opportunity to network with like-minded people in the industry. The conference is open to farmers and service providers of all ages and stages, and the organisers encourage both group and individual registrations. Tickets are ON SALE NOW and can be purchased HERE More information can be found on their Website or via Instagram  or Facebook                

Kim Wilson and husband Greg are 50/50 share farmers in South West Victoria, where they are running a really successful business that is simple and repeatable and an incredibly positive representation of share farming done well. Kim is managing a large team of staff, but believes it's doing the doing alongside them all, with a focus on communication and teamwork that allows them to achieve what they are, which has a real focus on growing grass and fully feeding their cows and getting better every single day.  PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY CREAM OF THE CROP  Cream of the Crop is a two day conference, providing an opportunity for women in the dairy industry to come together to learn, connect and grow. Recognising the contribution, regardless of their role, they make to the industry and their wider community. We are heading to Echuca Moama on 30-31st of July. Tickets and the program can be found on the Website but be quick if you are coming because tickets are selling fast. You can also chcek out the Instagram  or Facebook    Can't wait to see you there !  If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to podcast.morethanmilk@gmail.com or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.    In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.           

Sammie Smith has a passion for getting people in a room and helping to make dairy the best it possibly can be. Coming from the Bega Valley, she is currently sharing her time between one of the smallest farms and one of the largest in the region, working both on her family farm milking 150 and working at Kimba's down the road milking 1200. And whilst there isn't enough room to return to the home farm right now, she's using this time to build her skills and knowledge and get ready so when the time comes to return home she can grab it with both hands! She is also the YDN leader for the bega region, where she is super passionate about making sure dairy is thriving for many years to come - and as you may have seen if you're following along on my socials, I attended the inaugural YDN conference which Sammie and the other YDN leaders across NSW held, which was a brilliant event.  In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY CREAM OF THE CROP  Cream of the Crop is a two day conference, providing an opportunity for women in the dairy industry to come together to learn, connect and grow. Recognising the contribution, regardless of their role, they make to the industry and their wider community. This year we are in Echuca Moama in Northern Victoria on the 30-31st of July. The prorgam has been released and tickets are NOW ON SALE.  To stay up to date with all of the details keep an eye on Instagram  or Facebook   or if you would like to purchase tickets get these at early bird pricing HERE via Eventbrite  If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to podcast.morethanmilk@gmail.com or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.         

Jimmy Eggert runs a micro dairy where he is currently milking 30 cows and producing Hastings riverlands, an organic milk and yoghurt, and whilst he might be laid back in nature and very young, he certainly has a work ethic and mindset that is all about making the most of the opportunity he has. In today's chat he shares how he started the business, what goes into pasteurizing and bottling milk, and whilst he doesn't like making too many long term plans there was certainly plenty of optimism about the future. In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.    PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY CREAM OF THE CROP  Cream of the Crop is a two day conference, providing an opportunity for women in the dairy industry to come together to learn, connect and grow. Recognising the contribution, regardless of their role, they make to the industry and their wider community. Save the Date for the 30-31st of July. More details are coming soon, so keep an eye on Instagram  or Facebook   or check it out on the Website  If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to podcast.morethanmilk@gmail.com or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.       

Erica Dibden and husband Nic farm on the South Coast of NSW where they have created Tilba Dairy, producing milk, yoghurt, cream and a mix of soft and hard cheeses to add value and help create a profitable farming business. Although the ultimate goal would be to have a factory on  farm, they've built a brand, processing factory and retail shop that continues to go from strength to strength. In today's chat Erica shares how she became involved in dairy, her passion for connection to the food system, how the business has evolved and what it looks like as well as the layers of complexity around starting and the testing and regulations required to produce a product and her hopes for the future.  Giving some great advice to do your research, know your market, know your budget and start learning your products and i'm more than happy to offer my services as a product tester.  Want more info about Tilba Dairy or where to puruchase their products visit their website here https://tilbadairy.com.au CREAM OF THE CROP 2024 Cream of the Crop is a two day conference, providing an opportunity for women in the dairy industry to come together to learn, connect and grow. Recognising the contribution, regardless of their role, they make to the industry and their wider community. Save the Date for the 30-31st of July.  With a carefully considered program, attendees will have the opportunity to be challenged and inspired by speakers, panels, workshops, and farm and factory tours; as well as having the opportunity to network with like-minded people in the industry. The conference is open to farmers and service providers of all ages and stages, and the organisers encourage both group and individual registrations. More information can be found on their Website or via Instagram  or Facebook     In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to podcast.morethanmilk@gmail.com or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.           

Mia Ryan struggled to find love as a farmer, and although trying via the normal visits to the pub and other dating apps, she found the apps weren't working especially given her rural location... so she asked the question where is the dating app for farmers??  Her answer, there wasn't one - anywhere in the world! So she created it.  Launching on March 1st, Howdy Global is the dating app for farmers or anyone wanting to find love in the country. With a new approach, the app is designed with real intention and desire to help people in the country meet the love of their life. Although it's not specifically for dairy farmers, if you are looking for love, maybe you need to give Howdy a try. Our chat also includes what is involved in creating an app, getting it developed and all of the hurdles that she experienced.  Mia has generously given listeners a 30% discount code  - DAIRYAUS so if you are on the search for the love of your life, why not give it a try.  In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY CREAM OF THE CROP  Cream of the Crop is a two day conference, providing an opportunity for women in the dairy industry to come together to learn, connect and grow. Recognising the contribution, regardless of their role, they make to the industry and their wider community. Save the Date for the 30-31st of July. More details are coming soon, so keep an eye on Instagram  or Facebook   or check it out on the Website   If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to podcast.morethanmilk@gmail.com or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.         

Liza Fahey farms in South West Victoria and works at Dairy Australia with a real passion for people, and to see them develop and grow, not only in dairy but also across all of her many interest areas, of which there are many. In this chat she shares her experience completing her apprenticeship and leasing her family farm, the transition to her husband's family farm and what it was like to be a female in multiple male dominated industries. You'll also notice Liza loves taking every opportunity as it presents itself, using each opportunity to gain skills and knowledge for next.  Cream of the Crop, the dairy conference for women across our wonderful industry is back for 2024 and this year we are headed to Echuca Moama in Northern Victoria. We have 2 jam packed days of education, inspiration and connection with an incredible lineup of speakers which will all be announced in the coming weeks! Liza has been invaluable in her support and experience within the events space for not only us at Cream of the Crop, but so many other local and major events which she also shares.  If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to podcast.morethanmilk@gmail.com or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.    PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY CREAM OF THE CROP  Cream of the Crop is a two day conference, providing an opportunity for women in the dairy industry to come together to learn, connect and grow. Recognising the contribution, regardless of their role, they make to the industry and their wider community. Save the Date for the 30-31st of July. More details are coming soon, so keep an eye on Instagram  or Facebook   or check it out on the Website  In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.       

Max Bond has recently returned home to his family farm in Cooriemungle and to say he is passionate and energetic about farming and the wider industry would be an understatement. In this chat he shares about his school based apprenticeship and studies at Longerenong College, why he made the call to come home and how that fits within the family business as well as his involvement within the community and Young Dairy Network.  In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY CREAM OF THE CROP  Cream of the Crop is a two day conference, providing an opportunity for women in the dairy industry to come together to learn, connect and grow. Recognising the contribution, regardless of their role, they make to the industry and their wider community. Join us in Echuca Moama on July 30 & 31st Full program and tickets will be LIVE in the coming weeks, keep an eye on Instagram  or Facebook   or check it out on the Website    If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to podcast.morethanmilk@gmail.com or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.       

This is the second part of my incredible chat with Aaron Thomas, so if you haven't listened to part 1 yet, head there first and then come back here because you won't want to miss this chat. In this week's epsidoe Aaron shares his involvement within industry and the newly formed Dairy Farmers Victoria, how he has taken on part of the farming business and we delve in the 3 pillars of the business and chat about all things farming.  In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to podcast.morethanmilk@gmail.com or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.  PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY CREAM OF THE CROP  Cream of the Crop is a two day conference, providing an opportunity for women in the dairy industry to come together to learn, connect and grow. Recognising the contribution, regardless of their role, they make to the industry and their wider community. Save the Date for the 30-31st of July. More details are coming soon, so keep an eye on Instagram  or Facebook   or check it out on the Website         

Aaron Thomas farms with Paul & Lisa Mumford in South East Gippsland, starting in a farm hand role and slowly progressing, taking on more responsibility and every opportunity to gain experience and knowledge as a self proclaimed sponge. He believed he was ready to take the next step and when Lisa & Paul purchased a second farm, Aaron was given the full reins to manage the operation. But it was here that his relationship with alcohol became increasingly damaging to his mental and physical health and detrimental to the farming business.  I had goosebumps for the entire chat, so for part 1 this week he shares incredibly openly and honestly about his mental health and relationship with alcohol, his 2 failed suicide attempts, how it was Paul and Lisa who saved his life and how completing the Australian Rural Leaders Course changed it.  And just a heads up we do discuss mental illness, alcohol dependency and suicide, and how Aaron is working to normalise the conversation around mental health, with one conversation at at time, but if you are struggling with your mental health or dependency on drugs or alcohol I do urge you to chat with someone you trust and seek help from a GP or healthcare professional.  In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY CREAM OF THE CROP  Cream of the Crop is a two day conference, providing an opportunity for women in the dairy industry to come together to learn, connect and grow. Recognising the contribution, regardless of their role, they make to the industry and their wider community. Save the Date for the 30-31st of July in Echuca Moama. Tickets and the full program will be released soon, so keep an eye on Instagram  or Facebook   or check it out on the Website  If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to podcast.morethanmilk@gmail.com or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.             

Pia Osborne is an animal lover with a real passion for farming. Currently she is working in Gippsland in a farming family business but her farming career began in large scale corporate farms after working as a vet nurse. In today's chat Pia shares the differences between the farming systems, how she's been able to transfer her skills from vet nursing into farming and shares some ideas about how to encourage others to become involved in dairy. Now I also want to apologize up front, the audio quality is not as perfect as I'd like it to be, so please bear with us.  In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to podcast.morethanmilk@gmail.com or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.  PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY CREAM OF THE CROP  Cream of the Crop is a two day conference, providing an opportunity for women in the dairy industry to come together to learn, connect and grow. Recognising the contribution, regardless of their role, they make to the industry and their wider community. Save the Date for the 30-31st of July in Echuca Moama. More details are coming soon, so keep an eye on Instagram  or Facebook   or check it out on the Website             

Brendan Saunders grew up in New Zealand and farming was always going to be what he was going to do. Now if you've listened to Nicole's episode from a couple of weeks ago, you'll have half of the story… but there is so much more to hear. Brendan loves a simple farming system! From the way he grows grass, to the way they breed cows, Simple is his moto. Having a system that is easy to replicate so when and if an opportunity comes they'll be ready to jump in to action. But he also shares how they've prepared themselves for each opportunity.  In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to podcast.morethanmilk@gmail.com or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.     

This week to celebrate 50 episodes, we are doing things a bit differently - the guest today is me!!! It is the most commonly asked question, when will you share your story? so here it is, why I'm involved in dairy and how and why the podcast came to be. I am joined by my lovely friend Renata Cumming who is guest host for the episode and although we touch on some heavy topics, including pregnancy and child loss it gives an insight into why I love dairy, why I really do love having these conversations and bringing them to the world. In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY CREAM OF THE CROP  Cream of the Crop is a two day conference, providing an opportunity for women in the dairy industry to come together to learn, connect and grow. Recognising the contribution, regardless of their role, they make to the industry and their wider community. Save the Date for the 30-31st of July. More details are coming soon, so keep an eye on Instagram  or Facebook   or check it out on the Website  If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to podcast.morethanmilk@gmail.com or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.                 

Nicole Saunders moved to Australia from New Zealand with husband Brendan in 2018 and has been focused on growth ever since. Starting out as sharefarmers, they've grown each year allowing them to be in a position to purchase their current farm, lease another dairy and have multiple outpaddocks along with the very successful hospitality business the Berry Dairy. In this week's chat, Nicole shares the differences to farming in New Zealand, how they were able to progress to their current farming operation, why they've diversified the business and stated the Berry Dairy as well as how they've gone from an empty paddock to a pick your own strawberry farm and cafe with upwards of 130 visitors daily. She is incredibly open about the challenges and the many things they've learnt throughout the whole process.  Check out the Berry Dairy for more info at https://theberrydairy.com.au In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to podcast.morethanmilk@gmail.com or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.  PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY CREAM OF THE CROP  Cream of the Crop is a two day conference, providing an opportunity for women in the dairy industry to come together to learn, connect and grow. Recognising the contribution, regardless of their role, they make to the industry and their wider community. Save the Date for the 30-31st of July. More details are coming soon, so keep an eye on Instagram  or Facebook   or check it out on the Website           

Will Ryan currently sharefarms alongside partner Kate in Lardner. But the path to get there certainly hasn't been straight forward. In Part 1 of this incredible chat he shared how after finishing school, unsure of what he wanted to do, he returned home to his parent's dairy farm, who had ridden on the coattails of capital gains. But just as he was about to finish his university degree, his world went into a spin with a cancer diagnosis for his father, followed by his sudden death and just like many other family farms, succession hadn't been discussed. He also shared how he had was provided with an opportunity to work at Jelbart's Dairy alongside Tim & manager Mike, managing Caldermeade & dealing with animal activists, and learn quickly how to look after the health of 2500 animals running around. It was all of this experience that lead him to manage Ellinbank Research Farm. In this conclusion, he shares how you get cows research ready and how you juggle plates. Giving a great insight into what Ellinbank does. He also openly shares how and why he made the move to become a sharefarmer, using all of the skills he's learnt along the way to run a very successful farming business and share what the future might hold.  In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to podcast.morethanmilk@gmail.com or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.       

Will currently sharefarms alongside partner Kate in Lardner… but the path to get there certainly hasn't been straight forward. And as you will notice this is only part 1 of this incredible chat, because it's a big one - so after finishing school, unsure of what he wanted to do, Will returned home to his parent's dairy farm who had ridden on the coattails of capital gains. But just as he was about to finish his university degree, his world went into a spin with a cancer diagnosis for his father, followed by his sudden death and just like many other family farms, succession hadn't been discussed. So in this incredible first half of the chat, Will shares how he felt after the loss of his family farm, how he had was provided with an opportunity to work at Jelbart's Dairy alongside Tim & manager Mike, managing Caldermeade & dealing with animal activists, and learn quickly how to look after the health of 2500 animals running around.  There is so much still to this story, so next week for Part 2 includes what it's like to  manage Ellinbank Research Facility, having cows research ready at all times, how he made the move to sharefarming and what's next… you really won't want to miss it!  In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to podcast.morethanmilk@gmail.com or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.  PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY CREAM OF THE CROP  Cream of the Crop is a two day conference, providing an opportunity for women in the dairy industry to come together to learn, connect and grow. Recognising the contribution, regardless of their role, they make to the industry and their wider community. Save the Date for the 30-31st of July. More details are coming soon, so keep an eye on Instagram  or Facebook   or check it out on the Website           

Alanah Moore is an energetic 21 year old who has fallen head over heels for dairy. Working part time on 2 farms in West Gippsland, she is excited by what dairy can bring her into the future. In this chat we cover, how and why she came into dairy, what the day to day looks like working on 2 seperate farms, her desire to continue to learn and be ready for future steps within the industry… and I also try to have her settle the debate which is the best cow, jersey or friesian - who wins??? You'll just have to listen  In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY CREAM OF THE CROP  Cream of the Crop is a two day conference, providing an opportunity for women in the dairy industry to come together to learn, connect and grow. Recognising the contribution, regardless of their role, they make to the industry and their wider community. Save the Date for the 30-31st of July. More details are coming soon, so keep an eye on Instagram  or Facebook   or check it out on the Website  If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to podcast.morethanmilk@gmail.com or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.     

Sophie Healy is balancing relief milking, aged care and a family run beef herd, but simply just loves milking cows. Throughout this chat we discuss all things relief milking, including how you find a good boss, what her day to day role looks like and why she has chosen dairy. She also openly shares her struggles with depression and anxiety, so just a heads up, we do discuss suicide but how it was milking that has really helped her. And as a reminder if you are in need of some support for your mental health, head to your GP or a mental health care professional and get some help.  In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to podcast.morethanmilk@gmail.com or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.     

Gerry & Sarah Kelly are the father and daughter duo are living farm life in the city, or is it city life on the farm… either way they are possibly the closest dairy farm to Metro Melbourne. Milking 250 cows they aim to keep things simple. Sarah & Gerry have both returned home to the family farm, albeit at very different stages, Gerry returned quite a few years ago now, around the time their 200 Gallon milk contract was ending, making changes like increasing the cow numbers and grazing management. Sarah, who has only recently returned home, has no real desire to make big changes, but Gerry is excited by her ability to help the farm catch up, and has NO plans to retire anytime soon. In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to podcast.morethanmilk@gmail.com or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.       

Tania Luckin and husband Stephen moved from New Zealand to Australia 26 years ago, and whilst Stephen was from a farming background, Tania had NO dairy experience. But as you will hear, she has thoroughly enjoyed learning and working alongside Stephen and certainly has had a wonderful career in dairy.  In today's chat she shares the experience of moving to Australia and learning a whole new industry, how they have managed their staff with an emphasis on getting the 3R's right, her involvement within industry on representative boards for the last 22 years, with the last 6 years spent on the Dairy Australia Board. This chat was recorded late last year and since then, Tania's term has finished, with some other wonderful new farmer representatives stepping up.  I think you will really love the great pieces of advice and insights she gives into being involved with industry and using your voice for the better of the industry - I certainly have taken so much away from this chat.  In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to podcast.morethanmilk@gmail.com or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.       

Klaudia Douglas fell into a career in dairy, with an opportunity from Kevin & Brodie Game that was simply to good to refuse after finishing school & losing her licence. She began feeding calves and helping with the occasional milking, but has since started to take on more roles and responsibilities. You can certainly hear the excitement Klaudia now has for dairy, finding a passion for her cows and calves and the potential for her future. If you haven't listened to Brodie's episode, Listen here  it will give you some context on the farm and Klaudia's role - and it also becomes obvious to see where she gets her passion from.  This is the last epsiode of the podcast for 2023, and am planning to have a few weeks off over the holiday season. But wanted to take this opportunity to say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Although the cows will still be getting milked on Christmas Day, I hope you are able to spend some quality time with your loved ones and enjoy some rest over the break.  In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to podcast.morethanmilk@gmail.com or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.     

Brodie Game believes hard work will beat talent every single time, but I think she has plenty of both. As first generation farmers, she and husband Kevin were determined to fight for their dream of being dairy farmers and they certainly have had a number of setbacks along the way.  With limited financial options, dry seasonal conditions, a fire wiping out a large portion of their land and some very HIGH stress situations, it's no surprise they both considered giving it all up.  But its communication, networking and relationships have really driven the success of their business, with onlookers offering the opportunity to lease a farm and the financial backing for purchasing cows along with being a focus farm with Dairy NSW which has seen them continue on and to help them reach their farming goals.  Brodie is incredibly open and honest in this chat, sharing that at times she and Kev were both not ok mentally, but thankfully were able to get some support and now knows everyone has a mental health toolbox in their heads, sometimes you just need help to find the key, to fill it with the right tools and to keep them serviced just like you would any other piece of machinery on the farm.  This is a really brilliant chat, but just as a reminder if you are in need of some mental health support, to help find those keys, add some more tools in or to keep them sharpened - please reach out! There are a number of services available all across the different regions, or online so please get help if you need it.  If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to podcast.morethanmilk@gmail.com or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.  In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.       

Natasha Yarrington farms on the mid north coast of NSW and has a real passion for cows, but the transition onto her husband's family farm hasn't been all smooth sailing. In this episode of the podcast Tash shares her experience with farm succession, questioning when did she become a farmer, or did she ever stop? The gradual process of upgrading the business to be more efficient and streamlined including becoming a brown swiss stud, how she balances her time between the farm and homeschooling her 4 children and the lessons they've learnt from previous droughts and the many recent natural disasters to hopefully set themselves up for whatever the future may bring.  In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to podcast.morethanmilk@gmail.com or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.     

Ross Anderson farms in Heyfield, in the MID of Gippsland, where he milks 500 crossbred cows which he likes to think of as really efficient factories, making the best use of their water allocation and keeping them fully fed and healthy to provide for the multiple families that they support.  Just a heads up this chat was recorded a little while ago, and since then the farm has certainly been wet, but Ross would much prefer it wet than being too dry. It really is a great chat, so let's get into it. In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.   If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to podcast.morethanmilk@gmail.com or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.             

Gemma & Tom Otton, farm in the Bega Valley at Candelo. Although they are both first generation dairy farmers, agriculture has always been in Tom's blood. But entering into dairy isn't always an easy process. How do you get a loan for cows and pay it back, manage cash flow, what do you include in a share farming agreement, how do you juggle farming and raising kids, and prepare yourself for fires, droughts? They are all things Gemma and Tom have worked their way through, starting out on a lease farm, spending almost 2 years in South Gippsland and having been back in Bega for almost 5 years now as share farmers.  This is Gemma & Tom Otton's story.  In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.   If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to podcast.morethanmilk@gmail.com or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.           

Sallie Jones is the co-creator of Gippsland Jersey, who alongside farmer Steve Reynolds started the milk brand in 2016, shortly after the milk price crash and the death of her father to suicide. Growing up, Sallie's father was an early adopter of value adding to his farming business, producing ice cream and selling it in a store in Lakes Entrance, and building a processing factory on his farm right next to the dairy, and it's his legacy that Sallie continues today. Knowing he would be incredibly proud of the work she has put into getting the factory he built, geting it up and running which is now producing milk, butter and cultured sour creams that is in around 180 big supermarkets, 80 independents and used by some of Melbourne's best restaurants. But for her, the growth & success of the brand is more than just about the business, it's about giving back to the Gippsland community and the strong values around kindness, mental health awareness, and ensuring their farmers are paid a fair price.  In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to podcast.morethanmilk@gmail.com or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.   

René Dedoncker joined Fonterra 18 years ago, beginning in food service and bringing skills in international trade to lead a team, growing and connecting chef's from across the world to innovate products, solve problems and better utilize dairy in their restaurants. But in 2016 he moved into the Managing Director role for the Australian business, just after the decision was made to step down the milk price, with complexities and consequences he didn't fully grasp at the time.  Since then he has been working alongside his leadership team  to rebuild the business, knowing nothing was going to change the impacts or memories felt by farmers at the time, but if he could remain consistent, build confidence then maybe trust would follow. In today's chat he shares how he began to rebuild the business, gain confidence from the New Zealand board, innovate for the future and their plans to grow 2-3% yearly.  In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.   If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to podcast.morethanmilk@gmail.com or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.       

Renae Connell and husband Scott both came from dairy farming families and were very young when they decided to go into partnership with her in-laws, purchasing the farm, in Dorrigo NSW, via vendor finance with Scott's parents still owning the machinery and the cows. Initially to complete the succession plan Renae & Scott would buy the calves and machinery after 5 years to transition the business completely, but that's not quite how the plan worked.  After the 9th year without any further developments Scott and Renae hit rock bottom, with the realization no-one was happy, knowing they needed to have a conversation but never actually having it - Renae was angry and Scott was really struggling with his mental health. Just a heads up we do discuss suicidal thoughts, but it was the breaking point that eventually lead to them to finally take over the business.  Add to that a very wet year and a serious injury, Reane has since completely changed her perspective on life, knowing they've come close to not being here, so want to be the best they can possibly be, doing what they love with healthy and happy cows and people!  In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.   If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to podcast.morethanmilk@gmail.com or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.       

Michael Armstrong farms in Korumburra, where he has been share farming for the last 18 years and is currently milking 900 cows on a 50/50 share. Although it hasn't been easy, the asset growth they've seen has certainly allowed them to build their dairy farming business. They have recently purchased their own farm, and built a new herringbone dairy where they milk another 400 cows, but has the capacity to double that.  Throughout this chat he gives great insight into how they've set their share farming agreement up, how they've grown the business, used export heifers to fund their land purchase, how they rear every calf that's born and manage the wet pastures of South Gippsland. He also shares very openly his financial drivers and the luck they've experienced previously with a good milk price and high profit export markets that has seen them grow to the position they are in today.  In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to podcast.morethanmilk@gmail.com or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.       

Glenys Zucco is the Head of Marketing at Dairy Australia, a job for her that is more than just a job, it's part of her identity. She grow up on a dairy farm and studied nutrition dietetics and health promotion at uni, loving the role food plays in sports performance and overall health. In the early days at DA she was helping to rebut incorrect claims and promote the nutritional benefits of dairy products, but her role has since evolved into marketing and leading a team around her to not only promote dairy to our consumers and attracting workers onto farm but to also maintain the level of trust of australian dairy farmers to the general public.  In this episode of the podcast, she shares some of the Dairy Australia marketing strategy, the various programs and platforms created to educate, encourage and celebrate dairy as a career path and to help maintain our social licence to farm.  If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to podcast.morethanmilk@gmail.com or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.  In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.       

June Tarlinton spent her childhood as a timber cutter, living in the bush from the age of 9 traveling down the NSW coast clearing trees as they went before ending up at Wandella, when she was 16. It was there she met Richard, her now husband, who was a local dairy farmer. And it's Cobargo that she's called home for the last 40 years.  The original farm milked 80-100 cows with a mixed herd and a low flow creek running through it, so after they were married June wasn't needed physically to work on the farm, so she returned to cutting timber and working in town. And it wasn't until after Richard's father died that June began working on the farm on a very limited income.  Unfortunately succession discussions weren't had for a number of years and the farm was run on a very tight budget with limited infrastructure upgrades, which were all controlled by Fran, June's mother in law. A few years before Fran's death, the succession process was finalized and discussion was had between June and Richard around the direction of the farm. And the decision was made to upgrade the farm and increase the herd, making plans around their own future and bringing their youngest daughter Megan and husband James into the business as sharefarmers.  But the hardest battle was to come, with the 2019 bushfires ripping through the farm and the local community. Although they saved the cows, they had no power for 32 days and couldn't have milk picked up for 10-11 days and the impacts are still being felt both on farm and within the local community all these years later.  In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to podcast.morethanmilk@gmail.com or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.       

Joe Meggetto farms in Warragul, where he purchased his farm in 1991, before combining with his father, down the road in 1994. And for the last 26 years worked alongside his father Mario until his sudden death last year. Throughout those years he has taken every opportunity as it presented to purchase land and expand the business, working with the very simple farming philosophy, to make milk as cheaply as possible concentrating on animal welfare, soil health and the environment and waiting to upgrade infrastructure, to do it right the first time. But he hasn't always loved dairy, and in this chat he openly shares how he would regularly cry in the tractor and quietly struggled for a long time, at one point carrying a bullet around in his pocket. So just a heads up, he does openly share his thoughts of suicide and the struggles he has had with his mental health. But also shares his new passion for talking to and helping other farmers with their struggles and the positive change to his mental health since talking to his GP and openly sharing his journey in the inaugural Gippsland Jersey, Mental Health Calendar in 2018.  It's a bit of a long chat, but so worth it and I feel incredibly privileged to bring it to and would encourage you, if you are struggling with your mental health, to chat with someone you trust, seek help from a GP or a mental health professional and get some help. Joe also gives some really great practical tips throughout the chat In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to podcast.morethanmilk@gmail.com or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.     

Rob Howell is the director of Supply Chain and Operations for Fonterra Australia, starting out as a Chemical Engineer he never imagined he would be in charge of 8 sites across Victoria and Tasmania.  In this chat he gives a great insight into the various processing and manufacturing sites and how they all work together to ensure a diverse and profitable product mix making the most of each litre of milk. He shares some of the processes that have changed and others that haven't when it comes to turning milk into cheese, butter and powders. As well as sharing some of the challenges that were presented during covid, and some of the exciting opportunities coming in the future around efficiency and sustainability.  In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.   If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to podcast.morethanmilk@gmail.com or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.     

Chris is a Senior lecturer at Charles Sturt University based in Wagga Wagga, teaching in the veterinary science degree as well as animal production subjects. But before becoming an academic, he first became a vet, hoping it would help him ultimately become a sheep farmer. His first job was in Corowa, in mixed practice which was his first exposure to the dairy industry and it wasn't until he was overseas working in the UK and eventually Ireland that he became a dairy vet. When he eventually returned to Australia he spent time as a District Vet, before undertaking his Masters and eventually moving into academia, where he is sharing his knowledge and years of experience to help shape the vets of the future.  In this chat he shares how he never planned any of his career moves, but wouldn't change any of it. And how it's the passionate people along his path that have helped shape him, allowing him to share that passionate with his students.  In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to podcast.morethanmilk@gmail.com or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.