GRAEME and Andrea Barlow know that staff development is important, particularly as their business has grown over the last three decades.

The South Gippsland dairy farmers started with one staff member, milking 330 cows on 500 acres with Andrea’s parents, Ken and Marina Dixon.

Fast forward to today, and they have up to 10 staff milking 1,000 cows on a 2,500-acre property in Yarram.

“The bigger your business gets, the more people you need. We can’t do it without them,” Graeme says.

The growth in employee numbers means learning and development opportunities have become even more of a focus.

“We've been sending our staff to a lot of Dairy Australia courses for quite a while,” Andrea says.

“We feel it really benefits our business.”

Graeme and Andrea’s staff have undertaken Dairy Australia’s Milking and Mastitis Management program (formerly known as Cups On, Cups Off), which Andrea says has been really good for employees who work in the dairy.

Staff have also participated in the Rearing Healthy Calves program, a hoof trimming course and Pastures for Profit – all of which have been successful.

These programs have helped improve staff skills and increased their knowledge in managing calves and more effective hoof care practices. Increased expertise means better overall animal welfare and operational efficiency on the farm.

Graeme and Andrea see upskilling staff as a positive step forward in futureproofing their business.

“It’s really good growing the business – knowing that with all the training you’ve put your staff through, gives you the confidence that even when you’re not there, the job will get done,” says Andrea.

“Especially with our son, Jayden. He’s put a lot into the business, and we have a lot of confidence in him managing the business going forward.”

Andrea highly recommends putting staff through these courses and developing their skills – it’s a win-win for both employers and employees.

“They get a lot out of it,” Andrea says.

Graeme adds that undertaking training has also given their employees the confidence to push themselves a bit further and take on more. This, in turn, provides more opportunities to make sound decisions right across the farm business.

“Everything's evolving – the dairy industry is changing every year. So, it's good to stay on top of what's going on,” Graeme says.

To find out more about how Dairy Australia provides support with employing and managing people, and building skills for successful careers in dairy farming, visit dairyaustralia.com.au/people.