Bonlac Supply Company and Fonterra Australia Address Dairy Industry Skill Shortage by Developing Dairy Leaders

26 Feb 2014 --- For nearly a decade, the BSC Leadership Program has helped develop leaders in Australia’s dairy industry by equipping dairy farmers with the skills and knowledge they need to achieve success in one of Australia’s most promising agricultural sectors.

In recent years, BSC has worked closely with Fonterra Australia, Dairy Australia, The National Centre for Dairy Education Australia (NCDEA) and Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) to build a robust curriculum that aligns with wider dairy industry training standards.

Fonterra Australia Director of Ingredients and Operations Bruce Donnison said that, of the participants over the past decade, almost all have gone on to take up significant roles in the dairy industry and in their communities.

“The Australian dairy industry faces a critical skills shortage. If we are to truly become part of the food bowl to Asia, we must increase capability in the sector. This program goes a long way towards up skilling our industry and is an important step in creating dairy leaders of today.”

“Over the years the program has cemented a strong connection with Fonterra Australia and other industry bodies, which has allowed participants to share learnings and best-practice across the supply chain.”

Speaking at the Australian Dairy Conference today, Fonterra Supplier, Former BSC Director and 2006 BSC Leadership Program graduate Adam Jenkins (South Purrumbete, VIC) said the BSC Leadership Program helps participants contribute to the industry beyond the farmgate.

“The skills I gained from the BSC Leadership Program allowed me to positively impact the industry and my community and ultimately led me to the BSC Board of Directors. It is a great example of how industry can work together to help young farmers develop personally and professionally.”

The Bonlac Supply Company (BSC) Leadership Program launched its 2014 program in Warragul last week with eight successful participants.  Congratulations to the participants: Ryan Tuckett and Paul O’Malley from Northern Victoria; Rachael Finch and Colleen Laws from Eastern Victoria; Brian Schuler and Andrew Beale from Western Victoria; and Leigh Schuuring and Jane Sykes from Tasmania.