Students Explore Innovation on Gippsland Dairy Study Tour
A group of ten students from RIST and South West TAFE recently headed east to Gippsland for a four-day DemoDAIRY Foundation Study Tour, gaining a behind-the-scenes look at innovation, sustainability, and technology across the dairy industry.
Departing Warrnambool on Tuesday 30 September, the group’s first stop was Gippsland Jersey in Pakenham.
Students toured the factory and met with co-founder Sallie Jones, who shared the story behind the brand and its commitment to community and quality. The visit offered a fascinating insight into what happens to milk after it leaves the farm, including its transformation into parmesan, artisan cheeses, butter and buttermilk. The evening wrapped up in Warragul with dinner alongside a local Young Dairy Network member.
On Wednesday, the group explored several leading dairy enterprises, beginning with Dean Turner’s property, where he shared his pathway into farming and the challenges of building a business from the ground up. Dean’s story about building his business and supporting young farm staff on their career pathways was both practical and inspiring.
Next, students visited Grant Williams’s Lely robotic dairy, an eye-opening look at automation in action. The Wiliams were one of the first local farms to install robotic milkers. Grant explained how his family transitioned from rotary milking to full robotic operation, and their current trials with regenerative and alternative pastures.
The day concluded at the Ellinbank Smart Farm, where researchers showcased pasture trials and innovative Halter fencing collars, learning about the latest pasture research and the innovative Halter fencing collar technology being trialled on-site which excited students for its potential in future farming systems.
Reflecting on the day, RIST Certificate IV in Agriculture student Lily Goode, said highlights for her included:
“Dean Turner taking us on a tour of the paddocks and sharing how he built his career in dairying, was inspiring to hear. And visiting Grant Williams’s Lely robotic dairy was a fantastic learning experience for everyone and really interesting to see how the robotic milking system operates. It’s not something we get to see very often, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed it.”
Thursday’s itinerary focused on regenerative and sustainable farming practices, beginning with Peter Neave and Kate Miriam’s Newry property. Kate and Peter, who were keynote speakers at a New Zealand conference earlier this year, shared insights into soil health, pasture management and the long-term benefits of regenerative approaches.
The group then toured Hussey Vegetable Farm, where they observed advanced technology in vegetable production. Students enjoyed seeing how vegetables are grown, harvested, and integrated with new on-farm technology.
Next, the group visited Ross Anderson’s irrigated dairy farm at Denison, home to 500 crossbred milking cows. Ross demonstrated his efficient water-saving irrigation systems and discussed how data-driven decision-making supports productivity and sustainability.
The final stop was Benn Thexton’s Maffra operation, where Benn outlined his employee share model, giving long-term staff the chance to invest in the farms they help manage. Students found this model particularly inspiring as an example of progressive leadership and shared success within agriculture.
Reflecting on the visit, Lily Goode shared:
“Visiting Benn Thexton’s farm in Maffra, was amazing. Hearing about how he gives his employees an opportunity to invest in the business after they’ve been working there for five years was awesome to hear about and see in place, it’s clearly working well for Benn and the employees who now have shares in the farm.”
Returning Home Inspired
By the end of the week, students returned home with new knowledge, fresh inspiration, and a deeper appreciation for the innovation and diversity driving Australia’s dairy sector.
Supported by the DemoDAIRY Foundation, the study tour provided students with a unique opportunity to experience leading dairy enterprises, connect classroom learning to real-world farming practice, and gain valuable industry insights.
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