ALMOST 200 dairy farmers and industry professionals from across Gippsland, Tasmania and New Zealand gathered recently for the fourth annual GippsDairy Muster.

This year’s theme – Farming into the Future: Imagine | Inquire | Innovate – was an opportunity for farmers to be exposed to a diverse range of new and developing technologies and connect with the dairying community.

Emceed by Leongatha South dairy farmer Callum Moscript, attendees heard from a range of industry experts and dairy farmers on practical ways to utilise innovative processes on farm, and how they can impact on their long-term business goals.

The key topics discussed included: innovations in animal monitoring, utilising drones on farm, an update on the PastureSmarts technology, Victorian legislation updates, and virtual herding.

The event also included the presentation of the 2024 Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) Outstanding Service Award to well-renowned dairy consultant John Mulvany. John is recognised as one of the most passionate and skilled dairy farm consultants in the country. He has been a mentor to many farmers and other consultants for more than three decades and received a standing ovation from the crowd.

GippsDairy Regional Manager Karen McLennan closed the event by encouraging everyone in the audience to share an innovative idea they have with the person next to them.

“This day has been a great opportunity for farmers to think about the future of their businesses and be exposed to new innovations that could help them achieve their goals,” she said.

“It was valuable to hear experiences of farmers who are currently testing these technologies and it gave the attendees a lot to consider.”