Eleven years ago I knew nothing about the dairy industry except that milk came from cows, and that I had fallen in love with a dairy farmer.
I embarked on a new lifestyle and a huge learning curve and learnt how great #dairylove can be.
I have learnt not just how to milk cows and rear calves but everything else in-between and have become very good at completing forms and paperwork and juggling a budget.
Our dairy farm supplies Murray Goulburn and in April 2016 we were faced with, as its now known, the «dairy crisis».
Milk prices were cut and it appeared we had been overpaid on the milk we had supplied in that financial year and that some money had to be repaid.
It was a hard and sad time and a time when there was a lot of negative talk about the dairy industry and dairy farmers were not feeling that good about themselves.
However, many people wanted to know what to do to help us – I kept saying «just buy dairy».
One night while scrolling through my Facebook feed (and after drinking a very nice bottle of shiraz) all I could see were posts by fellow dairy farmers complaining and worrying.
Something positive was needed so I created the ‘Show Some #dairylove’ Facebook group.
It’s a group that promotes positive messages – farmers showing what they are doing on a daily basis and being proud of it and consumers showing what yummy dairy products they are consuming. It also offers encouragement and shows wha happens on farm.
From small beginnings, the group now has over 11,000 members worldwide and is still growing.
An unforeseen benefit of the group has been the mental health support of farmers – when they are not having a good day, they let the group know and immediately support and understanding is there – a real positive of the social media world.
The hashtag #dairylove has really taken off and I am so proud to be a small part of a positive experience and representation of the industry that I love so much.
From the first day I walked onto our farm its been #dairylove for me.
Yes, at times its hard and yes there have been many sleepless nights but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Source: ABC
Link: https://open.abc.net.au/explore/193905
