TODAY marks 22 years since World Milk Day was established by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations to recognize the importance of milk as a global food.
As part of the global recognition, the Australian dairy industry promised to provide nutritious food for a healthier world .
The SA dairy industry has a proud history of producing sustainable dairy products on farms and in factories, according to the SA Dairyfarmers' Association.
The industry is undertaking programs that contribute to enhancing livelihoods, improving the wellbeing of people and animals, as well as reducing its environmental impact.
Kalangadoo dairyfarmer Brittany Liebich said she had been dairyfarming for as long as she could remember.
"It has helped shape me into who I am now and I wouldn't change it for the world," she said.
"I was born into the Dairy Industry and have spent my whole life growing up with it.
"My family owns and operates Boldview Farms which is a very successful majority Ayrshire herd.
"Growing up on the farm I have attended many shows, such as Royal Adelaide Show, International Dairy Week, Mount Gambier Show and many other shows across Australia, which has allowed me to connect with many other people involved in the industry and expand my knowledge and friendships."
Ms Liebich now works on the family dairy farm as the head calf rearer and owns her own stud called Blue Ridge Genetics with her partner Damian Wallis.
"I love the cows and calves, they all have their own personality a lot like people and are just the most cute and cuddly animals you could meet," she said.
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"I also love the people in the dairy industry as they all have their own stories and knowledge to share.
"I think family farms are the heart and soul of the dairy industry, and its important that they still get a sense of a good work life balance.
"I find it so rewarding to work with old generation farmers that pass on their knowledge and learning to adapt together to new ways of doing farm practices."
She said dairy products were an important part of a persons diet because they help with bone health by making bones strong and healthy.
"Consuming Dairy Products also helps with lowering blood pressure, and also provides the body with calcium and vitamin D," she said.
According to SADA, dairy products provide more than 10 essential nutrients deemed important through all life stages - from infancy through to late adulthood.
They said health benefits associated with dairy foods extend far beyond maintaining healthy bones and teeth - having enough milk, yoghurt and cheese can also be good for heart health, blood pressure and maintaining a healthy weight.
Milk, cheese and yoghurt are naturally full of important nutrients such as calcium and protein.
Australian Dietary Guidelines say the consumption of milk, cheese and yoghurt is linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and colorectal cancer - some of the main causes of death in Australia.
There is a growing body of research surrounding the role of diet and gut health including the role of fermented foods, such as yoghurt, in promoting a healthy digestive system.
Kiara Stacey
Journalist for Stock Journal. Kiara was in classified sales at Stock Journal before joining the editorial team in 2021. Kiara completed a Bachelor of Communication (journalism) at Deakin University the year prior.
Journalist for Stock Journal. Kiara was in classified sales at Stock Journal before joining the editorial team in 2021. Kiara completed a Bachelor of Communication (journalism) at Deakin University the year prior.
