New challenge tests capability

The competition will be held on December 3 and 4 on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

NDC14 coordinator Penny Schulz said the challenge came about because there was nothing similar for young dairyfarmers.

"The Merino industry has their challenge and there is the Intercollegiate Meat Challenge," she said.

"The dairy industry needed something for this sector, in part to demonstrate what professional and skilled people are involved. It's also another way to build skills and network with other farmers."

Ms Schulz said the event was calling for teams of four young dairyfarmers who would compete in eight activities over the two days. It was being developed by a steering committee of young dairyfarmers who selected the activities by looking at what they did every day on the farm.

"There are also other things they may not be directly involved in, to get an idea of what happens in other parts of the supply chain and understand what happens past the farm gate," she said.

Some of these activities would involve animal breeding, milk quality, pasture management and animal health.

There was already some interest from interstate teams but she said she would like to see teams present from every dairy region in Australia. She would also like to see it go on to become an annual event.

"We hope that the 2014 event will be the first of many and that other states or regions will take up the challenge to host the event in their own patch and with their own twist," Ms Schulz said.

She said the challenge came about as part of her submission for the 2014 SA RIRDC Rural Women's Award, which she won, with her bursary providing the kickstart, along with sponsorship.

The registration pack can be found at www.dairysa.com.au. Registrations close November 14.