INDUSTRY-owned milk and cheese brand SADA Fresh will be doing its bit to support the next generation of dairy employees as the new naming rights sponsor for SA's 2021 Cows Create Careers project.
In previous years, the Cows Create Careers program had been sponsored by Dairy Australia but the decision was made separate last year.
SADA Fresh presents Cows Create Careers will be delivered to schools across the Fleurieu Peninsula, Murray Bridge, Mount Gambier, Adelaide Hills and Murray Bridge regions.
Jaydee Events director John Hutchinson said the new partnership meant students across the state would be supported in learning about the diversity of professional careers and pathways within Australia's vibrant dairy industry.
"We're delighted to be partnering with SADA Fresh, their support means that the project continues to be delivered to 35 schools across SA," he said.
"It's very rewarding to see the results of such an innovative project, and through this new partnership Cows Create Careers will continue to get better and better. We believe it's going to be a great association."
Since its inception in 2004, Cows Create Careers has proven to be a key industry and community project.
While it was held online last year, this year it will return to a practical unit.
The project aims to increase the awareness of dairy industry careers in a very hands-on way: students' rear and care for two, three-week-old calves at their school.
Across three-weeks, schools are provided with dairy industry curriculum, at no cost.
A local dairyfarmer teaches the students how to care for the calves, while an Industry Advocate visits the students to speak about their career pathway in the dairy industry.
Throughout the project students form teams to complete assessments based on the dairy industry.
"SADA Fresh presents Cows Create Careers will allow students to learn about the wide range of skills, educational pathways and careers in Australia's dairy industry," Mr Hutchinson said.
"But the benefits of the project extend beyond the classroom, it also opens opportunities for students to engage with their local dairy industry, it creates links to their community, and allows students to learn new skills."
Cows Create Careers was initially established with dairyfarmers in the Strzelecki Lions Club in Vic and nine Gippsland schools.
Across 17 years it has gained support from industry, regional development programs, dairyfarmers and volunteers across Australia.
It has now grown to 230 schools across Australia with 14,000 students completing the project in 2020.
"SADA Fresh's sponsorship reflects their continual dedication to the state's dairy community, their contribution is helping to support the next generation of South Australian dairy farmers and their industry," Mr Hutchinson said.
Upon completion of the project, students and teachers will be recognised at an interactive presentation day, with industry-based games and prizes awarded to the winning teams and schools.
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