THE future of the dairy industry was honing its skills as part of the sixth SA All breeds Dairy Youth Camp, held at the Adelaide Showground last week. The camp is held every two years, with 35 entrants – almost half from non-dairy backgrounds.
SA Holstein Youth coordinator Mandy Pacitti said the event was a chance to retain those with an interest.
“We’re really trying to foster and upskill the next generation to have dairy farmers into the future,” she said. “Without them, we won’t have an industry in Australia.”
Mrs Pacitti said the camp involved a mix of theory and practical, covering topics from new milking and breeding technologies, anatomy, cow conformation, photography and presenting animals for showing. She said they were always trying to find new topics, and this year introduced nutrition and show ethics.
The camp culminated in a show on Wednesday last week with Lisa Thompson, Allendale East, as judge.
Mrs Pacitti said the camp was supported by industry with people volunteering time to pass on their knowledge.
