Staff spotlight: Lauren Mackey - Extension Coordinator
21 September 2026
With a passion for dairy nutrition, feedbase and working directly with farmers, Lauren Mackey plays an important role in delivering extension activities across the Murray region.
Based between the Tatura office and her home in Yarrawonga, Lauren is an Extension Coordinator and also coordinates the Young Dairy Network (YDN), helping connect farmers with practical learning opportunities, industry expertise and each other.
We caught up with Lauren to learn more about what drew her to dairy, her role and what she enjoys most about working with Murray farmers.
What inspired you to work in the dairy industry?
Growing up, I always dreamed of becoming a vet, so studying a Bachelor of Agriculture felt like a natural first step because of my love of animals. While studying at Melbourne University’s Dookie campus, I discovered a real passion for animal nutrition.
What really fascinated me about dairy was how quickly you can see the impact of nutrition – you can make a change to a cow’s diet today and potentially see a change in the vat the next day. That has always stuck with me.
What are your key areas of expertise?
My key areas are feedbase and nutrition. I’ve begun delivering Dairy Australia’s Pasture Fundamentals program, I’m undertaking training for Feeding Pastures for Profit and I’m also working towards delivering Nutrition Fundamentals.
What advice would you give farmers?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are so many knowledgeable people working in and around the dairy industry, and there’s a lot to stay across when you’re running a farm. Reach out and take advantage of the expertise and resources available.
What do you enjoy most about working with dairy farmers?
I love hearing farmers’ stories and learning what makes them passionate about dairy. Getting out on farm, walking through the paddocks, looking at the cows and seeing farmers in their element is one of my favourite parts of the role.
What does a typical day look like for you?
There isn’t really a typical day! On an extension event day, I’ll usually head to the host farm or venue, get everything set up and then help coordinate or deliver the event. One of the best parts is getting to chat with farmers throughout the day and hear what’s happening in their businesses.
How can you support farmers across the Murray?
I’m always happy to talk about upcoming extension and YDN activities and help farmers find opportunities that align with the challenges they’re facing or the areas they’re interested in developing.
Dairy Australia Murray also has access to a great range of resources and people across the industry. If we don’t have the answer ourselves, we can help connect farmers with someone who does.
Connect with Lauren to talk about upcoming extension activities, Young Dairy Network opportunities or support available through Dairy Australia Murray.
We caught up with Lauren to learn more about what drew her to dairy, her role and what she enjoys most about working with Murray farmers.
What inspired you to work in the dairy industry?
Growing up, I always dreamed of becoming a vet, so studying a Bachelor of Agriculture felt like a natural first step because of my love of animals. While studying at Melbourne University’s Dookie campus, I discovered a real passion for animal nutrition.
What really fascinated me about dairy was how quickly you can see the impact of nutrition – you can make a change to a cow’s diet today and potentially see a change in the vat the next day. That has always stuck with me.
What are your key areas of expertise?
My key areas are feedbase and nutrition. I’ve begun delivering Dairy Australia’s Pasture Fundamentals program, I’m undertaking training for Feeding Pastures for Profit and I’m also working towards delivering Nutrition Fundamentals.
What advice would you give farmers?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are so many knowledgeable people working in and around the dairy industry, and there’s a lot to stay across when you’re running a farm. Reach out and take advantage of the expertise and resources available.
What do you enjoy most about working with dairy farmers?
I love hearing farmers’ stories and learning what makes them passionate about dairy. Getting out on farm, walking through the paddocks, looking at the cows and seeing farmers in their element is one of my favourite parts of the role.
What does a typical day look like for you?
There isn’t really a typical day! On an extension event day, I’ll usually head to the host farm or venue, get everything set up and then help coordinate or deliver the event. One of the best parts is getting to chat with farmers throughout the day and hear what’s happening in their businesses.
How can you support farmers across the Murray?
I’m always happy to talk about upcoming extension and YDN activities and help farmers find opportunities that align with the challenges they’re facing or the areas they’re interested in developing.
Dairy Australia Murray also has access to a great range of resources and people across the industry. If we don’t have the answer ourselves, we can help connect farmers with someone who does.
Connect with Lauren to talk about upcoming extension activities, Young Dairy Network opportunities or support available through Dairy Australia Murray.
Murray
Lauren Mackey
Extension Coordinator
Email:
Phone: 0468 381 645