The Victorian study tour is a temporary replacement for the annual UDV-Gardiner New Zealand study tour, which has been postponed due to the current uncertainties for international travel.
UDV president Paul Mumford said it was a "rare opportunity" for emerging dairy leaders to gain a unique look into the Victorian dairy industry.
“The dairy industry is evolving rapidly with new cutting-edge science and technology and changing farming practices,” he said.
The dairy tour will bring together people from across the supply chain according to Gardiner Foundation chief executive Clive Noble.
“Across Victoria there are many dairy businesses that are innovative, well managed and with an eye on growth. This new tour for emerging dairy leaders will help their development and build stronger linkages across the Victorian dairy industry,” Dr Noble said.
Successful applicants can expect a comprehensive eight days covering the full range of Victoria’s leading dairy facilities as well as visits to other agricultural industries.
There will also be an opportunity to learn about the inner workings of industry advocacy through meetings with senior representatives of the Victorian Farmers Federation and the UDV.Mr Mumford encouraged those interested and eligible to apply.
“We’re expecting the Victorian tour to be extremely popular amongst our young dairy leaders,” he said.
“Those who are selected will visit a variety of farms and be taken through state-of-the-art research and processing facilities.”
And, in the future, Dr Noble said the Victorian study tour could become a regular event alongside the New Zealand tour.
Applications for the Victorian study tour are now open and close at 9 am on Monday, May 10.
To be eligible, applicants must be aged between 18 and 35 years, live and work in Victoria, be actively involved in the Victorian dairy industry, either on farm or in the supply chain and be available for travel between June 28 and July 6, 2021.
Further details about the tour, including application forms and contact details, can be viewed on the VFF website at https://bit.ly/3x3YHVr