GippsDairy held a muster recently to help educate farmers and students on ‘People in Agriculture’ and adaptive leadership in the agricultural workforce, whether it is a big or small business.
The morning muster was held at the Yarram Regent Theatre, and the evening muster at Yarram Recreation Reserve.
Attendees heard from multiple speakers, and enjoyed an array of information sessions.
“This year’s theme is to rethink, develop and grow,” GippsDairy board member Jess Knight said.
GippsDairy Regional Manager, subcommittee group, Karen McLennan, as well as other staff, organised the event to help combine knowledge and the agriculture community all over Gippsland.
“Agriculture isn’t just about the stock. It is about the people and staff in the industry,” Ms McLennan and Ms Knight both explained.
“It’s not just farmers that can come to this event, it is everyone who is interested in learning about the industry.”
Some of the speakers included people and culture strategist, Sally Murfet, leadership and culture development expert Kylie Paatsch, leadership and communications consultant James Freemantle; keynote speakers Humans of Agriculture Founder Oli Le Lievre, and a panel discussion of Gippsland farmers facilitated by Matt Harms.
Ms McLennan said there are many priorities for GippsDairy that are also viewed in their five-year plan.
She said her hope is that the agriculture industry is going to grow in diversity and communication between farmers, to work as a peer community rather than individual, and that more people will become interested in the industry, as well as more climate protection thanks to agriculture.
“It is great to see all the people that came to last year’s event, to see the support in the community,” Ms McLennan said.
“There is constantly new development in agriculture especially on the technological side of things, and that may entice some people to help join.”
