Community
7 May, 2025
SDA scholarship recipients announced
FOUR south west Victorian farmer suppliers are amongst nine who have been awarded Saputo Dairy Australia’s (SDA) annual Supplier Scholarship Program aimed at investing in the development of future dairy industry leaders.
Rachael Moncrieff (Port Campbell), Olivia Whiting (Simpson), Abbey Gass (Princetown) and Daniel Meade (Garvoc) represented Victoria’s south west, with other recipients hailing from south east Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia.
SDA’s scholarship program, which provides each recipient with up to $5000 in financial aid, is designed to help them achieve their educational and professional goals.
Ms Moncrieff said she was interested in sustainable practices.
“I intend to focus on sustainable farming practices and work with farmers to enhance their crop yield while reducing environmental impact,” she said.
“My ultimate goal would be to work in the research industry either through a university or a private company to focus on our future agricultural practices.”
Ms Whiting said she also had an interest in pursuing sustainable farming practices.
“In the long term I would like to move into a job that would allow me to work with dairy farmers one on one,” she said.
“I want to work with them to increase production or maintain production while introducing more sustainable farming practices as there will be more importance for them into the future to meet net zero in 2050.”
Both Ms Gass and Mr Meade said they have a passion for dairy and are interested in pursuing careers in dairy long-term.
“Dairying has always been a major part of my life, and I truly feel working in the industry has given me a great sense of purpose and drive that I wish to continue to develop,” Ms Gass said.
“My biggest passion is breeding quality, profitable dairy cattle, and feeding them to achieve their full genetic potential.
“I am excited to have the opportunity to study this degree and believe it will be advantageous to my career and ability to face issues that may arise in the changing climate of the agricultural sector.”
Mr Meade said he wanted to give back to an industry that has given him so much.
“My long-term plans are to stay involved as a dairy farming business owner-operator for many years to come,” he said.
“The ultimate goal is to grow the business to be profitable and attractive to be in a position to pass on to the next generation should they be willing and able.
“I’m also aiming to learn and bring new perspectives to benefit our local dairy industry and am committed to giving back to the industry that has given me so much.”
SDA retains its commitment to fostering a sustainable and prosperous future for the dairy industry within Australia through the awarding of these scholarships.
“We are proud to support the next generation of dairy industry leaders,” SDA director of milk supply Kate Ryan said.
“Their dedication and passion for the industry inspire us, and we look forward to witnessing their continued growth and positive impact contributing to a bright future for the dairy industry.”
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