Young farmers explore innovation in South Australia

In September, WestVic Dairy Young Dairy Network (YDN) members toured South Australia to explore different farming systems, business models and technologies. The four-day study tour connected participants with local farmers and encouraged reflection on career goals and aspirations.

Day one: Foundations of innovation

The tour began at Jake Altman’s sixth-generation farm, highlighting long-term investment in infrastructure. Milking 500 cows three times daily, the farm features a compost barn, automated calf shed and a Total Mixed Ration system which is uncommon in South Australia’s low-rainfall environment. Jake’s off-farm experience as an electrician has contributed to the farm’s financial stability and strategic planning.  Future plans include robotic milking and methane digestion, though expansion is capped at 600 cows under EPA rules.

Day two: Robotic systems

Participants visited two robotic dairy farms, one using Lely robots, the other retrofitted with GEA robots. Both operated grazing systems with feed pads and robotic calf feeding. Discussions centred on succession planning and risk management, with examples of collaborative business structures. A key take-away from that day was the importance of strategic planning when considering infrastructure development and future-proofing.

Day three: Business structures and leadership

The group explored partnership-driven and share-farming models. The first farm, Emu Springs, demonstrated irrigation and generator-powered milking on sandy soils, while the Cavill family showcased share farming on irrigated land. Challenges at the farm include saline irrigation water, that equates to applying two tonnes of salt annually. Leadership discussions with Andrew (Dairy South Australia Chair) and Josh (Young Dairy Network South Australia Chair) emphasized the importance of stepping up and supporting people in the industry.

Day four: Scaling up and diversification

The final day began at Chris Procter’s farms, where Chris and share farmer Ben shared their journey. Chris owns nine dairy farms milking 6,000 cows and producing 3.1 million kgs/MS annually. Chris has also diversified into poultry, operating five farms with 38 sheds.

Share farmer Ben’s operation of 800 cows on 400 hectares highlighted how aligned values underpin successful partnerships.

Participant reflections

Feedback from attendees highlighted the tour’s impact on personal and professional development:

• Leadership discussions encouraged participants to consider their role in shaping the industry’s future.
• Exposure to diverse systems helped participants reassess their own farming goals and methods.
• Networking with like-minded individuals fostered new friendships and professional connections.
• Succession planning emerged as a key topic, with some gaining the confidence to initiate conversations at home.
• Technology insights, especially around robotics and automation, shifted perspectives on lifestyle and business choices.
• Business structures like share farming opened minds to alternative pathways in dairy.

One participant summed the experience up, “there’s no right or wrong way to farm – just opportunities to learn, adapt and grow.

The experience will shape careers and contributions to the dairy industry for years to come. 

To get involved with the program, visit the WestVic Dairy Young Dairy Network (YDN)