The six-day Warrnambool Cheese and Butter (WCB) Adrian Meade Dairy Innovation Program started this week with thirteen students learning about milk supply, factory production and product quality at the Allansford factory. 

The students will go on a four-day tour of farms and service providers, food technology organisations, a retail outlet and market, Dairy Australia, the Port of Melbourne, and tertiary institutions offering agricultural study next week.

Named after former WCB supplier-director and chairman Adrian Meade, who was passionate about encouraging students from the region into tertiary education, the program aims to encourage development of leadership in the industry and amongst the students, while exploring career pathways.

Program co-ordinator Louise Thomas said there was an enthusiastic response to the application process, with submissions from across the region.

“Schools recognise that this is a good opportunity to engage with industry and show students the whole supply chain. 

“The application process was also a great opportunity for students to practise their interview skills.”

Ms Thomas said: “We were really impressed by the applicants and it was a difficult job to choose between them. After interviewing and selecting our participants, we are confident this group is very engaged and interested and will make the most of the opportunity.”

WCB general manager of milk supply Anthony Cook said the company is committed to encouraging young people from the region into the dairy industry.

“We want to show students the pathways by which they can enter the industry for a challenging and rewarding career,” he said.

“This program also demonstrates our optimism about the future of the dairy industry.”

rhoulihan@fairfaxmedia.com.au