Growing skills and networks for dairy success
20 August 2025
Focused on upskilling and building strong industry connections, 26-year-old Tasmanian dairy farmer Will Hurst is laying the groundwork for his long-term dream – owning cows and land of his own.
More than a decade into his dairy career, Will now works on a 340-cow, family-run farm in Central-north Tasmania, gaining the skills and experience to help turn that dream into reality.
“It sometimes feels impossible to make progress in today's economy, but the support and mentorship I have received through Dairy Australia’s programs have helped me when I have felt hopeless,” Will says.
“It's given me the pick-up that I needed to keep working at my dream.”
During his time in the industry, Will has completed a number of Dairy Australia’s programs, including Milking and Mastitis Management, Healthy Hooves and 2IC/ Manager.
Will says the programs have given him ideas and skills to take back to the farm.
“They have taught me new ways to manage pasture and cows, diagnose and treat animal illnesses, pick up on heat detection, trim hoofs and deal with lameness,” he says.
“The 2IC/ Manager course significantly improved my understanding of business structures, decision making and the importance of good strategic management.”
More recently, Will completed the Our Farm, Our Plan and My Future, My Plan programs. These are designed to help dairy farmers set long term goals, improve business performance and manage risk.
“The two programs really made me consider my personal and professional values by getting me to think practically about what I want my future to look like – and how I will feasibly get there,” Will explains.
“I’ve met some really good mentors and people to chat to who have ideas of ways to get to the end goal of farm ownership.”
After years of attending Young Dairy Network events, Will was appointed as chair of the committee in Tasmania in May 2025.
The local network attracts more than 2,500 young Tasmanian dairy professionals aged between 16 and 35. They gain valuable support and opportunities, including access to training, workshops, leadership programs and industry connections.
On top of the professional development opportunities, the network also gives its members the chance to build social connections with other young dairy farmers.
“If you want to make an impact in the industry, you have to be willing to learn and grow,” Will says.
“Personally, I have gained so much from being engaged and stepping outside of my comfort zone – and I really encourage more farmers to do the same.”
Dairy Australia supports farmers in building and developing knowledge, skills and capabilities of their people on-farm and the future workforce of the industry.
To find out more, visit Training & Development or contact your regional office.
“It sometimes feels impossible to make progress in today's economy, but the support and mentorship I have received through Dairy Australia’s programs have helped me when I have felt hopeless,” Will says.
“It's given me the pick-up that I needed to keep working at my dream.”
During his time in the industry, Will has completed a number of Dairy Australia’s programs, including Milking and Mastitis Management, Healthy Hooves and 2IC/ Manager.
Will says the programs have given him ideas and skills to take back to the farm.
“They have taught me new ways to manage pasture and cows, diagnose and treat animal illnesses, pick up on heat detection, trim hoofs and deal with lameness,” he says.
“The 2IC/ Manager course significantly improved my understanding of business structures, decision making and the importance of good strategic management.”
More recently, Will completed the Our Farm, Our Plan and My Future, My Plan programs. These are designed to help dairy farmers set long term goals, improve business performance and manage risk.
“The two programs really made me consider my personal and professional values by getting me to think practically about what I want my future to look like – and how I will feasibly get there,” Will explains.
“I’ve met some really good mentors and people to chat to who have ideas of ways to get to the end goal of farm ownership.”
After years of attending Young Dairy Network events, Will was appointed as chair of the committee in Tasmania in May 2025.
The local network attracts more than 2,500 young Tasmanian dairy professionals aged between 16 and 35. They gain valuable support and opportunities, including access to training, workshops, leadership programs and industry connections.
On top of the professional development opportunities, the network also gives its members the chance to build social connections with other young dairy farmers.
“If you want to make an impact in the industry, you have to be willing to learn and grow,” Will says.
“Personally, I have gained so much from being engaged and stepping outside of my comfort zone – and I really encourage more farmers to do the same.”
Dairy Australia supports farmers in building and developing knowledge, skills and capabilities of their people on-farm and the future workforce of the industry.
To find out more, visit Training & Development or contact your regional office.