The National Young Cooperators (YC) Program has been a cornerstone of leadership development for young farmers in the dairy industry for over 70 years. This program aims to equip young farmers with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive as managers and leaders in the agricultural sector. Through a range of training opportunities and networking events, the YC program fosters a strong sense of community and collaboration among participants.
Cardiac Nurse Returns Home to Carry on the Family Farm Legacy
Sarah Douglass, a third-generation dairy farmer from Ohio, embodies the spirit of the YC program. Despite pursuing a career in nursing, Sarah eventually returned to the family farm to continue the legacy her ancestors had built. Her involvement in the YC program has been instrumental in shaping her approach to farming and business management.
Sarah emphasises the value of networking and learning from peers in the industry. The YC program has provided her with unique opportunities to connect with fellow farmers from different parts of the country, each bringing their own insights and experiences to the table. Through these connections, Sarah has not only gained valuable knowledge but also formed lifelong friendships.
With a family farm that boasts 6,500 cows and thousands of acres of farmland, Sarah’s dedication to dairy farming is evident. Her transition from a career in nursing to full-time farming demonstrates her commitment to upholding the family legacy and driving the business forward. The YC program has played a pivotal role in supporting Sarah on this journey, providing her with the tools and resources needed to succeed in a competitive industry.
Once in a Lifetime Experience
For Katelyn Packard, the decision to return to the family farm was a natural one. Growing up surrounded by agriculture, Katelyn’s passion for farming was nurtured from a young age. After obtaining degrees in animal science and agribusiness management, she made the choice to join her family in running Horning Farms in Michigan.
Katelyn’s involvement in the YC program through the Michigan Milk Producers Association has been a transformative experience. From attending conferences to participating in leadership programs, she has gained valuable insights and built lasting relationships with fellow farmers. Katelyn’s advice to young farmers is to actively engage with cooperative events and take advantage of networking opportunities to broaden their horizons.
Lawyer Turned Farmer
Isabel Mullin’s journey back to the family farm took a unique path through the fields of law and politics. After feeling drawn back to her roots in dairy farming, Isabel made the bold decision to leave her legal career behind and dive headfirst into farming full time. Her experiences on the family farm, Rustlewood Farm, have been rewarding and fulfilling, allowing her to reconnect with her family’s agricultural heritage.
Participating in Agri-Mark’s Young Cooperators summer conference opened up a world of opportunities for Isabel. The educational programming and connections she made through the YC program have been invaluable in enhancing her farming knowledge and decision-making skills. Isabel’s commitment to continuous learning and growth is evident in her active participation in industry events and leadership programs.
The YC program has served as a springboard for Isabel to connect with other young farmers and industry leaders, fostering a sense of solidarity and collaboration within the dairy community. As a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in leadership roles, Isabel believes that a wide range of perspectives and experiences can enrich the industry and drive positive change.
Conclusion
The National Young Cooperators Program is more than just a training ground for young farmers—it’s a vibrant community of like-minded individuals striving to make a positive impact in the dairy industry. Through networking opportunities, educational programs, and leadership development initiatives, the YC program equips participants with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed as farm managers and industry leaders.
As seen through the experiences of Sarah, Katelyn, and Isabel, the YC program plays a crucial role in shaping the future of dairy farming by empowering young farmers to realise their full potential. By embracing collaboration, continuous learning, and a spirit of innovation, these young cooperators are driving positive change in the industry and building a bright future for dairy farming in Australia.
