WHAT DO I WANT TO DO WITH MY LIFE ?
What do I want to do with my life? A question that occupies my mind sometimes in between studying, planning the next party or practising for Saturday's sport. I guess I want to have a choice of career options - would hate to be stuck in one place forever, would like a job in a growing area with plenty of challenges - possibly export oriented as that may mean overseas trips, be able to use the latest technology and yet I quite like the idea of living in the country - more relaxed life not fighting with the traffic every day and easy to keep up with my friends. But then again, I might want to work in the city or interstate for a while before going back to the country.

Suggestion! Think about a job in the dairy industry - growing (increasing production at the rate of 8 -10% every year), export oriented over $2.3 billion of exports, latest technology on farm and factory, development of new products and processes. It's not only about drinking milk or eating icecream but also about applying technology similar to medical science advances.

In the future there will be fewer farms with more animals. Farm managers/owners will need to be proactive, strategic thinkers who understand the big picture and how it will affect their business. You won't need to own the property, leasing of land will be commonplace. Farm managers will seek advice and service from others such as accountants, animal nutritionist, fertiliser advisers, vets, researchers and building contractors. There will be specialist jobs for people who wanted to work with animals or computers or building.

On the processing side, the factories will be large with highly automated equipment and sending specialised product to different markets within Australia and overseas from Japan to Morocco and Brazil. Large companies create opportunities for accountants, IT specialists, engineers, product and process development staff, marketing and sales managers. Like driving trucks? There are plenty of jobs picking milk up from farms and transporting product to the docks.

You name a type of job, there is probably an opportunity in the industry. We would like you to consider joining us to continue the development of a world class industry. Good luck with your decision for the next stage of your life but remember there is always an opportunity for you in the dairy industry.

P Rowley
Chairman
Australian Dairy Industry Council
December 2000