Young local dairy farmer, Luke Stock, was part of a dairy leadership delegation which this week visited Canberra.
As part of the Developing Dairy Leaders Program Mr Stock was one of 16 young dairy farmers who attended advocacy and policy development workshops in Canberra as well as an official breakfast with the Minister for Agriculture, Barnaby Joyce.
Mr Stock, who is a fourth generation dairy farmer from Glenore Grove, said his participation in the program has been invaluable and has inspired him to address one of the industry’s most significant issues.
“The program is about securing the future success of the industry through good leadership, which is critical during hard times like Lockyer Valley dairy farmers are going through at the moment”,
“Since taking part in the program I have become very passionate about the issue of mental health in the dairy industry. This is something I hope to advocate for and improve using the skills I have learnt this week” said Mr Stock.
Federal Member for Wright, Scott Buchholz met with Luke during the week and was blown away by his compassion on the issue of mental health.
“Luke surprised me and also the Minister when he began talking to us about his plans for improving awareness around mental health in the dairy industry. It’s a snowballing issue given the considerable financial strain and uncertain future our local dairy farmers are currently facing”,
“It is humbling to see a young local dairy farmer who feels passionately about an issue and who intends to do something about it. I look forward to supporting Luke into the future” said Mr Buchholz.
The Developing Dairy Leaders Program was developed in response to the Australian Dairy Industry Council’s (ADIC) Dairy Leadership – An Industry Blueprint 2010-15, which identified 150 – 200 leadership roles across the industry, requiring 40 new leaders to fill the positions each year.
