This year’s recipient is Breanna Stewart.
Breanna describes her journey into the dairy industry as something that happened by chance.
In 2024, with a renovated caravan and plans to travel and work, she left her hometown of Stawell.
Breanna travelled as far as Tarrone where she found work on a dairy farm, she has been there ever since.
“I renovated a caravan to work and go travelling and I ended up getting a calf rearing job,” Breanna said
That turned into a full-time position, and somewhere along the way, I just fell in love with dairy farming.
“I love the cows and I love who I work for.”
Breanna was thrilled to hear her name announced as the winner.
“I’m absolutely stoked, I just can’t believe it. I’m so excited to get over there and see how it all goes. It’s a massive opportunity.”
Courtesy of exclusive sponsor Lely, Breanna will enjoy return airfares to Amsterdam, a week’s accommodation, farm visits and a behind-the-scenes tour of Lely headquarters.
“It’s a huge opportunity to go over there to learn and see how things can be done differently for better outcomes on the farm,” Breanna said.
Breanna believes technology will continue to be a key part of the dairy industry’s future.
“I’m excited to see the Lely technology. We don’t have any smart tech on the farm where I work, everything is hands-on,” she said.
“I’d love to see what options are out there that we might consider implementing.
“My manager is really supportive of me with me learning more about dairy farming and exploring new ideas.”
Recently, Breanna has travelled to Gippsland and Tasmania to tour dairy farms thanks to sponsorship from the DemoDAIRY Foundation.
“I’m really enjoying the opportunities to see how everything works and how farmers do things differently in different places.”
“I love that all the dairy farmers I’ve met are so passionate about the industry. They’re always willing to share their knowledge and chat.”
Breanna shared her appreciation for the event.
“I just want to say a big thank you to Dairy Australia and WestVic Dairy for putting on such a great night, and to Lely for this incredible opportunity,” she said.
“It’s so much fun meeting others in this awesome industry.”
Initiated by the WestVic Dairy Young Dairy Network Leadership Team, the Dairy Farmers’ Ball celebrates the dairy industry and the strong community that drives it.
This year marks the third time the event has been held.
