DEVONDALE Murray Goulburn has announced a $5 million partnership with CowBank to help young farmers entering the dairy industry establish a commercial dairy herd.
The Next Generation Herd Start program will allow young farmers with limited capital to lease-purchase a herd from CowBank with support from Devondale Murray Goulburn.
In a statement released yesterday, Devondale Murray Goulburn said the program will be of benefit to young dairy farmers who have the skills, drive and passion to build a dairy farming operation but may not have the financial means.
Devondale Murray Goulburn’s executive general manager shareholder relations, Robert Poole, said the development of Herd Start is representative of the company’s commitment to supporting the next generation of Australian dairy farmers.
“We are often asked how young farmers can get their start in a dairy business,” he said.
“To support the next generation of dairy farmers, we are partnering with CowBank to provide talented and passionate dairy farmers with an opportunity to grow their herd and establish their own dairy business even if they have limited capital.”
In the statement, CowBank managing director, Rod Banks, said the initiative will benefit young farmers who may not have the capacity to receive herd finance due to lack of equity.
“CowBank is very proud to be partnering with Devondale Murray Goulburn in this Australian first which creates an achievable route to dairy business ownership,” Rod said.
As part of a pilot program, Devondale Murray Goulburn will support between 12 and 15 Herd Start farmers during the next year.
Those interested are encouraged to speak with a member of the Devondale Murray Goulburn Field Services team or contact CowBank.
Subject to the success of the pilot program, Devondale Murray Goulburn and CowBank say they expect to provide the Herd Start program as an ongoing opportunity for farmers to progress to dairy business ownership.
For more information on Herd Start visit the website.
Source: Queensland Country Life / FarmOnLine
