Growing a great future in dairy: How Emily’s relationships-driven approach connects innovation with impact
At Dairy Australia, innovative thinking is one of our core values - something Emily Samyue brings to life every day as our Head of Innovation. Emily forges strategic partnerships that connect emerging industry players with opportunities to impact the future of dairy farming.
Making the right connections
Emily Samyue’s work is all about building meaningful connections. So much so that she jokes about moonlighting as a dating service!
“I think of myself as a bit of a matchmaker,” Emily says. “I connect with a wide range of startups, here in Australia and internationally, to explore whether their technologies align with the priorities and challenges of the dairy industry. It’s all about finding that perfect fit where innovation can really make a difference.”
Much like dating, not every connection is a perfect fit. At Dairy Australia, however, Emily explains that ‘rejections’ are more about redirection - guiding organisations toward avenues where their technology might thrive more effectively.
“We actually do more redirection than matchmaking. But that’s what makes this role so rewarding - we’re not just filtering ideas, we’re helping shape them. I’m lucky to work with an incredible technical team who sit in on meetings with startups. Together, we offer honest, constructive feedback on how to improve the robustness of their technology or better understand their market fit.”
“What really excites me is when we come across a gem - a technology with the potential to make a massive difference for the dairy industry. Those moments remind us why we do this. It’s about finding the right fit, but also about unlocking real impact.”
Emily is fortunate to be able to travel abroad as part of her role, finding opportunities to advance profitability, productivity and sustainability on Australian dairy farms. From improving animal health and wellbeing to making strides in climate and environment, every technology puts farmers and animals at the forefront.
“One example is that we're currently partnering with startups developing feed additives to lower methane emissions in pasture-based dairy systems. By supporting their research through targeted investments and collaborations, we’re helping to fast-track promising innovations - giving farmers quicker access to affordable, scientifically based solutions.”
Beyond the farm gate
A food technologist by trade, Emily started her career in quality assurance and product development before progressing into innovation. She was General Manager of Innovation for a consumer goods company when she decided to leave corporate life for a new venture: starting her own dessert business.
“Some might call it crazy, others bold - maybe it’s a bit of both,” Emily laughs. “But I’m deeply passionate about health and wellbeing, especially when it comes to supporting people with dietary constraints. I just love creating desserts - it’s where science meets joy in the kitchen.”
Based in Melbourne, Raw Trader was Emily’s passion project - specialising in wholesome desserts tailored for gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and low FODMAP-friendly diets. She dedicated over seven years to the business, but when the pandemic hit and she was expecting her first child, Emily began reassessing her future. A chance LinkedIn message led her to Dairy Australia - and she hasn’t looked back since.
“Throughout my career, I’ve always worked on one side of the farm gate, so stepping into the other side has been an incredible learning experience. What’s struck me most at Dairy Australia is the deep-rooted passion among the team for the communities we serve. That kind of genuine connection isn’t something you often find in the corporate world.”
Though Emily doesn’t come from a farming background, she sees that as a strength - bringing fresh perspectives that challenge conventional thinking.
“What I truly think connects people at Dairy Australia is their shared passion for the industry - it creates a sense of unity that’s unlike anything I’ve experienced before. When you hear colleagues speak about their work, you can feel their commitment. It’s impossible not to be inspired by it.”
A culture of care
At Dairy Australia, the culture of care goes well beyond the work itself. In roles like Emily’s, where travel is frequent, she’s grateful for a team that values work-life balance.
“My daughter is still very young, so I’ve set a personal limit - two and a half weeks is the longest I’m willing to be away from her, and my manager is incredibly supportive of that,” Emily shares. “Flexibility is something Dairy Australia does really well, and as a working mum, that means everything.”
Emily typically splits her working days between Dairy Australia’s Southbank office and home. When in the office, Emily and her colleagues always try to make time to connect - whether it’s over coffee or a shared lunch.
“One of the things I love most about Dairy Australia is that it has such a friendly vibe. People are warm, approachable, and it’s easy to form real friendships beyond just professional connections. Our team is really close-knit, and that sense of camaraderie makes a big difference.”
It's this supportive environment that drives Emily's motivation for the bigger-picture work ahead. Whether collaborating with her team or with start-ups, her relationship-focused approach is always rooted in creating lasting impact.
“Much of what I work on is transformational. It’s not a quick path, but some of the technologies we’re exploring could significantly impact productivity, profitability and sustainability on dairy farms. To play a small part in bringing that to life for Australian dairy farmers, even in a small way, is incredibly rewarding.”