Scholarships are best practice

DAIRY farmers looking to improve themselves, their farm businesses and their industry should consider the current round of Farm Business Management Program scholarships.
The Gardiner Dairy Foundation has partnered with the three Victorian Regional Development Programs (RDP) to offer 10 scholarships which are designed to improve business acumen, risk management and leadership.
Three scholarships are being offered for the Rabobank Executive Development Program, one in each RDP, six scholarships will be awarded for the University of Queensland Business Owner Manager Program, two in each RDP, and one scholarship – worth $59,000 – will be awarded for the prestigious Australian Rural Leadership Program.
Gardiner Dairy Foundation chief executive Mary Harney said the foundation is committed to investing in Victorian Dairy farmers.
“The Farm Business Management Program is the major investment in our People Development portfolio.
“We are committed to investing in emerging leaders and practices to help develop a long-term future for the dairy industry.
“The Gardiner Dairy Foundation is pleased to partner with each of the three Victorian RDPs to deliver this opportunity for dairy farmers to build on their knowledge in farm business management.”
GippsDairy chairman Graeme Nicoll encouraged all Gippsland farmers to look at the benefits of participating in the program.
“The Gardiner Dairy Foundation and the RDPs have worked hard to develop a program that will have a major impact, not just on the scholarship recipients, but on the broader industry,” he said.
“We are looking for farmers who want to develop their own skills but who can also help spread that knowledge throughout the region.”
Poowong North dairy farmer Allison Potter, who was last year’s recipient of the Rabobank Executive Development Program scholarship, urged Gippsland farmers to grasp the opportunity provided by the Farm Business Management Program.
“The course gives you a set of tools to get the most out of your business, particularly around setting meaningful, measurable goals,” she said.
“The standard of speakers is very high, it’s well organised and not a moment is wasted.
“Interacting with the other farmers has also given me the sense that nothing is impossible. The sky’s the limit!
“The course runs at calving time but it is worth putting things in place so that you can get away.”
Applications are now open and close on 25 March.
For further information including application and eligibility guidelines, contact the Gardiner Foundation on 8621 291, email caitlin.scholfield@gardinerfoundation.com.au or visit www.gardinerfoundation.com.au.