Cows Create Careers in NSW

Calves are coming into classrooms across southern NSW, stirring student interest in careers in the dairy industry.

Regional Industry Career Adviser Michael Power saw the potential of a program called Cows Create Careers that had been successfully raising the industry profile in Victoria’s Gippsland since 2004.

With advice from Illawarra farmer and Dairy Australia advocate Lynne Strong, Michael set the wheels in motion to import the program to NSW through the Career Advice Australia network.

‘When we explained Career Advice Australia to the organisers, John Hutchison and Deanne Kennedy from Strzelecki Lions Club in Gippsland, they agreed it was the perfect vehicle for expanding Cows Create Careers, and that the Local Community Partnership network could provide the link with schools and on-ground support,’ Michael says. “Dairy Australia provided financial support for the expansion to NSW.”

Two heifers to a school

In Term 2 of 2007, 13 schools and 462 students from years 7 to 11 took part in Cows Create Careers. In Term 3 the project was repeated to take in a further 11 schools and 350 students. Michael canvassed two RICAs in adjoining regions James Latimore, and Ashley Cox, and they got schools in their areas involved. Seven Local Community Partnerships have provided on-the ground support across the three RICA regions.

Under the program, farmers provide two heifer calves to each participating school for three weeks. Teams of four or five students care for them and monitor their health and growth.

‘It’s a great way for students to learn about calves’ physiology, nutrition needs, diseases and management practices, as well as the range of career opportunities in the dairy industry’ Michael says. ‘It’s a ready-made Adopt a School program that brings farm life into the playground.’

Local dairy farmers were sourced to donate the calves, and a group of young industry professionals, including vets and specialists from Dairy Farmers and the NSW Department of Primary Industry, were brought on board to mentor the students and provide career advice.

Daisy Belles and Team Flossy take the podium

Student assignments, which included data presentations, posters and newsletters describing their experience and career paths in the industry, were judged by a panel of dairy industry experts.

Sponsors ANZ Bank, Dairy Farmers and Shoof International awarded prizes to winners in several categories. The Daisy Belles from Dapto High in Wollongong took out the senior prize, and Team Flossy from Yass High the junior prize. Moss Vale High took out the prize for “best overall school” The combination of kids and cute animals made for huge media coverage.

Cows Create Careers is expanding. Planning for the Term 3 project Awards ceremony is underway with sponsor the Illawarra Mutual Building Society. Moves are well advanced to take it to other NSW dairy regions, with a project in the Hunter Valley already planned for 2008. Talks are to be held with relevant bodies in South Australia and Tasmania. Garry Tongs, the Agri-Food NICS, has met with John Hutchison and Deanne Kennedy, with a view to developing up-to-date dairy industry career resources to support Cows Create Careers and further strengthen the linkage with CAA.

onal health and safety risk assessments, and designing a wine label.

Contact

Michael Power
Ph: 0437 594 599