Growing a Career in Dairy
With the support of family, Georgia Anderson took her first step into the dairy industry at 14 years old by buying a few calves from the dairy farm next door.
That dairy belonged to Stewart and Nita McRae, who milk 1,500 cows across three properties. Georgia quickly realised her passion for dairy farming and progressed to feeding calves on the weekend for them. At 16, Georgia completed her Certificate III and IV in Agriculture at Longerenong College (known as ‘Longy’ to the students), near Horsham in Western Victoria.
“While having the opportunity to go to school four days a week with one day a week on farm – and six one-week trade blocks at Longy – I got to try everything, whether that was milking, feeding calves, fencing, feeding out and yard work,” Georgia says.
“Over the years, I have grown a real passion for the industry.”
While still at school, and with the McRaes as mentors, Georgia completed the Dairy Learn Pathways program.
The program was initiated by Dairy Australia and GippsDairy through funding from the Secondary Schools Agricultural Fund to address the dairy industry's skills shortage. With experience in similar initiatives, GippsDairy developed an immersive program –beyond a one-off school talk – to build students’ awareness of dairy careers through excursions, incursions, and industry connections.
Georgia also attended Dairy Australia’s Milking and Mastitis Management program as well as pasture growing courses, which were held on Stewart and Nita’s farm.
“Stewart and Nita were great – they understood my workload with school and having a normal teenage life, while pushing me to do my best,” Georgia says.
In 2024, Georgia graduated from Year 12 at Gippsland Grammar and was the Niel Black Scholarship recipient, which is supported by the Gardiner Foundation. Through this Scholarship, she has returned to Longerenong to study an Advance Diploma in Agribusiness Management and Diploma of Applied Agronomy.
Industry attraction
Georgia believes the key to attracting more young people into the dairy industry lies in accessibility and mentorship. Hands-on education opportunities like traineeships and apprenticeships, combined with positive workplace environments, can open doors for the next generation.
She also has advice for those starting out in the industry.
“Take on any opportunities that come your way, educate yourself in as many areas and ways as possible, build relationships with other people in the industry, and prepare for challenges,” Georgia says.
Georgia is grateful for the opportunities and pathways the dairy industry can provide newcomers.
“Working for a good business is make or break – and working somewhere where you feel a sense of home and belonging is key to staying motivated and enthusiastic,” she says.
It is also a sense of community that keeps Georgia motivated in her work.
“Being involved in the dairy industry gives you a purpose,” she says.
“It gets you out and talking to like-minded people who share the same interest, and you learn so many new things.”
Looking ahead, Georgia has plans to remain in the agricultural sector – as a stock agent or farm manager – and would like to travel, including attending the Don Campbell Memorial Tour.
Each year, GippsDairy offers young farmers like Georgia the opportunity to join the week-long tour that gives them exposure to the wider dairy community and practices. They also gain valuable leadership skills as well as creating extensive networks within the industry.
“I’m looking forward to understanding different ways of dairy farming in different areas,” Georgia says.
To find out more about how Dairy Australia provides support with employing and managing people, and building skills for successful careers in dairy farming, contact your regional team today or visit dairyaustralia.com.au/people.