PROFILE OF A DAIRY EXTENSION OFFICER

Alison trained as vet at Massey University in New Zealand. She worked as a flying vet in central Queensland, a similar operation for animals as the Flying Doctors service for people. She then returned to New Zealand to work in a veterinary practice specialising in horses and dairy cows.

While here, Alison undertook further training in dairy cattle nutrition. Maintaining a cost effective feeding regime for cows is necessary to ensure they remain healthy while producing the maximum quantity of milk during their lactation. In conjunction with her husband, Alison share-farmed a dairy farm at Hamilton in the Waikato. They milked 270 cows on a 125 hectare property.

Alison enjoys working outdoors with commercial farm businesses and applying her science knowledge in practical ways.

Alison's work as a Dairy Extension Officer with Nestle in Western Victoria allows her to combine her previous work experience with helping Nestle farmer suppliers build their businesses while enabling Nestle to meet the demands of international customers.

Alison says the future of Australia as a major dairy product supplier internationally is bright provided the focus is maintained on quality assurance and ensuring our products meet the clean, green image.