Narelle & Joel Zanker: Part One - South Australia

What happens when a love of dairy farming meets a passion for teaching? For Narelle and Joel, it's Dairy Adventures an agritourism business welcoming visitors onto the family dairy farm in South Australia to learn where their milk comes from. In part one of our conversation, Narelle shares her journey from growing up on the farm to primary school teaching and back again, bringing her two passions together. Joel grew up in a sheep and cropping business and shares what it meant to make the move into dairy, find his place within a family farming operation and build a future together. From bottle feeding calves to exploring the milking shed, their experiences give families, school groups and visitors of all ages a chance to connect with farming, ask questions and meet the people behind their food. There's plenty happening behind the scenes, too. Narelle and Joel talk openly about the trial and error of developing their tours, fitting visitors around daily farm jobs, and the practical considerations of biosecurity, insurance and pricing. They also share how running Dairy Adventures as a separate business is helping them build their own foundation while family farm succession is still being worked through. In this episode, we chat about: Combining a background in teaching with a love of cows and farming. Moving into dairy and finding your role within a family business. Starting small, testing ideas and learning what visitors enjoy. The realities of welcoming people onto a working dairy farm. Answering questions honestly and helping visitors better understand dairy. Working together as a couple and drawing on different strengths. Building a business through social media, word of mouth and being yourself. Taking opportunities, finding support and growing at a manageable pace. At the heart of this conversation are two people finding their own way in dairy, building something together and sharing an industry they're proud to be part of. And the story continues: this conversation was recorded before Narelle went on to win the national AgriFutures Rural Women's Award. Don't miss Part two to hear what that recognition has meant and what's happened since this first chat.  To find out more about their farm experiences, look for Dairy Adventures on social media. If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to [email protected] or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.      In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.   

Danielle Wright farms alongside her husband Tom in Southwest Victoria, but her path into dairy began with a career in graphic design and no agricultural background. Danielle shares how she found her feet in the industry, built confidence through study and established Gully View Dairy, producing bottled milk and hand-churned butter on farm. The conversation explores the practical realities of turning an idea into a value-adding business, from setting up a processing facility and navigating licensing to pricing products and finding customers. We also chat about raising three young children, navigating family succession and creating your own role in a business with six generations of history. We discuss: Danielle's journey from graphic design to dairy farming Returning to Tom's family farm and starting out in 2016 Building knowledge and confidence through study and industry involvement Finding complementary roles within the farming business The New Zealand study tour that sparked an idea to process their own milk Establishing Gully View Dairy and setting up an on-farm processing facility Navigating licensing and food safety requirements Producing bottled milk and hand-churned butter, and exploring cheesemaking Pricing products, finding wholesale partners and selling at markets Connecting consumers with the people and story behind their food Balancing farming, a growing business and three young children Finding mentors and support beyond the farm Navigating succession and the emotional connection to family land Danielle's advice for farmers considering value adding In the spirit of reconciliation, we would like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to [email protected] or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message — I'd love to hear from you.

Andrew Jeffers, interim CEO of Food and Fibre Great South Coast, shares his insights on water security challenges facing Southwest Victoria's $4.6 billion agricultural sector. From his unique perspective bridging water management and agriculture, Andrew discusses climate adaptation strategies, infrastructure needs, and the current Western Sustainable Water Strategy  The conversation also explores the broader challenges facing regional agriculture, including labour and workforce shortages, the role of technology, leadership development and the importance of investing in the skills and productivity of the people already working within the industry. We discuss: Andrew's journey from the water sector into agricultural advocacy The role of Food and Fibre Great South Coast Why natural rainfall has historically been a competitive advantage for the region What recent dry conditions have exposed about water security The infrastructure challenges facing Southwest Victorian agriculture Why dairy farms require such large and reliable volumes of water Preparing farm businesses for a drier and more variable climate The Western Sustainable Water Strategy and its 50-year outlook Why farmer and community input is essential Labour shortages and the future agricultural workforce The role of technology in attracting people to agriculture Investing in leadership, education, efficiency and on-farm productivity   Visit the Food & Fibre Great South Coast website for all of the resources and factsheet or complete the farmer survey about water security  Submissions to the Western Region Sustainable Water Strategy are open until 30th August, please access this here      In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.    If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to [email protected] or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.       

In this episode, recorded at the Australian Dairy Conference, I sit down with 2026 Programming Chair Ella Credlin to talk about what goes into creating a conference for nearly 950 dairy farmers and industry professionals. Ella shares her journey into dairy, stepping into leadership, and why she chose to give back to an industry she's invested in. We unpack how the program comes together — from brainstorming topics and chasing speakers, to making sure there's something valuable for farmers of all ages, herd sizes and regions. We also talk about key themes from this year's conference, including legacy, productivity, diversification and the power of storytelling — and why connection and momentum matter just as much as the content itself. A behind-the-scenes look at leadership, collaboration and the future of dairy.   In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.    PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY CREAM OF THE CROP  Cream of the Crop is a two day conference, providing an opportunity for women in the dairy industry to come together to learn, connect and grow. Recognising the contribution, regardless of their role, they make to the industry and their wider community. Keep an eye on Instagram  or Facebook   or check it out on the Website for all of the details.     

In this episode we continue the conversation with Gab Toscan and Michael Dennis from Breakwater Insurance, shifting the focus to the practical realities of insurance inside a dairy business. This part of the chat dives deeper into the insurable risks dairy farmers face day-to-day — including employment, business continuity, and how events like fire and flood can impact a business beyond the immediate damage. Gab and Michael share real-world examples from working alongside dairy farmers, highlighting why insurance can feel expensive when it's not clearly understood, but becomes invaluable when it's set up with intention and paired with a practical plan. The conversation also builds on the role of Dairy Protect, a dairy-focused insurance project designed to make insurance work for dairy farmers through specialist brokers who understand the pressures, complexity, and pace of running a dairy operation. This episode was made in partnership with Dairy Protect and Cream of the Crop.   Contact details: • Website: https://www.dairyprotect.com.au • Phone: 1300 063 888 • Instagram: @dairyprotect   Disclaimer: This episode provides general information only and does not constitute financial product or other advice. The information does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation, or needs. You should consider whether the information is appropriate for your circumstances and review the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before making any decisions. Information is current as at the date of recording and may be subject to change. A copy of the Financial Services Guide (FSG) is available at dairyprotect.com.au.   PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY CREAM OF THE CROP  Cream of the Crop is a two day conference, providing an opportunity for women in the dairy industry to come together to learn, connect and grow. Recognising the contribution, regardless of their role, they make to the industry and their wider community.  Keep an eye on Instagram  or Facebook   or check it out on the Website for all of the details.      If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to [email protected] or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.     In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.   

Gab Toscan and Michael Dennis from Breakwater Insurance are working closely with dairy farmers and share what they've learned from supporting businesses through challenging moments — and why dairy insurance isn't always as simple as a set-and-forget farm pack. The conversation introduces Dairy Protect, a dairy-specific approach to insurance advice, and explores the difference between general and personalised advice, along with the questions worth asking so you genuinely understand your cover. The conversation continues in Part 2 with a deeper dive into insurable risks within a dairy business, including employment, continuity cover, and navigating natural disasters such as flood and fire. This episode was made in partnership with Dairy Protect, Breakwater Insurance, and Cream of the Crop. Dairy Protect exists to make insurance work for dairy farmers, through a team of specialist brokers who understand the unique risks, pressures, and complexities of running a dairy operation. To speak with one of our brokers, connect with us on socials through @dairyprotect, visit our website at dairyprotect.com.au or give us a call on 1300 063 888. Disclaimer: This episode provides factual information rather than financial product or other advice. The information contained in this episode, has been prepared without taking into account any personal objectives, financial situations or needs. You should consider the appropriateness of the information, taking these matters into account, before you act on any information. In particular, you should review the product disclosure statement for any product the information relates to before acquiring the product. Information is current as at the date of recording but is subject to change. We cannot make any representation as to the accuracy or completeness of the information. To obtain advice on how this information does impact your personal circumstances, or to obtain a copy of the PDS for any of the products referred to, please reach out to Dairy Protect on 1300 063 888 to speak to a broker. A copy of the Financial Services Guide (FSG) can also be found at dairyprotect.com.au   In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.   PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY CREAM OF THE CROP  Cream of the Crop is a two day conference, providing an opportunity for women in the dairy industry to come together to learn, connect and grow. Recognising the contribution, regardless of their role, they make to the industry and their wider community. Keep an eye on Instagram  or Facebook   or check it out on the Website for all of the details for our 2026 Conference    

In this episode of the More than Milk podcast, Chloe sits down with Rachel Nicholson, a dairy farmer based on Jones Island on the mid-north coast of New South Wales. Rachel shares her experience of farming on a floodplain, including the impact of major flood events in 2021 and again in 2025, and what those seasons revealed about resilience, risk, and the strength of the dairy community. She reflects on how community support became critical to keeping their business going, with farmers and industry stepping in when it mattered most. This conversation also explores capacity and mental load in dairy farming — knowing when you can't carry everything at once, and why rebuilding mental health has to sit alongside rebuilding farm infrastructure. Rachel speaks openly about juggling farming, family, and community leadership, and the importance of recognising personal limits for long-term sustainability. Rachel also shares how creativity and art have become a way to process difficult experiences, stay connected to dairy, and find beauty through challenging seasons. It's an honest, grounded conversation about community, self-awareness, and the many different ways people contribute to the dairy industry. This episode will resonate with dairy farmers, agricultural families, and anyone navigating change, pressure, and connection within rural communities. If you'd like to follow along or check out any of her artwork - use the handle @ghinni_ghinni_studio on Instagram.  If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to [email protected] or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.      In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.       

Joe Jacobs is the Research Director for Animal Production with Agriculture Victoria, based at the Ellinbank Smart Farm. In this chat Joe shares his incredible journey as a scientist, having worked in multiple dairying regions before making the move to Gippsland. He emphasizes the importance of practical, on farm research and the need for translating scientific findings into actionable insights for farmers, but also understands the need for collaborating with farmers and industry partners to ensure the research is relevant, beneficial and answering the right questions.  In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.    If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to [email protected] or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.      PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY CREAM OF THE CROP  Cream of the Crop is a two day conference, providing an opportunity for women in the dairy industry to come together to learn, connect and grow. Recognising the contribution, regardless of their role, they make to the industry and their wider community.  2026 will be once again back in the Western District so keep an eye on Instagram  or Facebook   or check it out on the Website for all of the details.             

Louise Sundermann is the policy lead for animal health and welfare at Dairy Australia. After growing up on a dairy farm in Gippsland, her passion for animals led her to work with Dairy Australia in a number of roles, with her current focus the Calfways Pathway for Dairy Beef in the search for practical solutions to surplus calves. In this chat she shares the complexities of animal welfare and policy development, as well as maintaining social licence and the evolving market dynamics for dairy beef. And whilst there isn't a one size fits all solution, just yet, her message is clear, watch this space. It's a really great chat so let's get into it.  In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.    If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to [email protected] or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.    PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY CREAM OF THE CROP  Cream of the Crop is a two day conference, providing an opportunity for women in the dairy industry to come together to learn, connect and grow. Recognising the contribution, regardless of their role, they make to the industry and their wider community.  With a carefully considered 1.5 day program, attendees will have the opportunity to be challenged and inspired by speakers, panels, workshops, and farm and factory tours; as well as having the opportunity to network with like-minded people in the industry. The conference is open to farmers and service providers of all ages and stages, and the organisers encourage both group and individual registrations. More information can be found on their Website or via Instagram  or Facebook          

Deanne Kennedy had a background in finance and local government, before becoming a dairy farmer's wife, but soon found herself putting the bookkeeping and organisational skills to work, managing the office for a farm consultant and milk processor, before founding Jaydee Events With a passion for event management and people, she shares how they created Cows Create Careers which has grown into one of the most successful school-based initiatives over the last 21 years. And while she's quick to acknowledge the many people and supporters, she certainly has a heart that is bigger than the contact list in her phone. PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY CREAM OF THE CROP  Cream of the Crop is a two day conference, providing an opportunity for women in the dairy industry to come together to learn, connect and grow. Recognising the contribution, regardless of their role, they make to the industry and their wider community.  In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.    If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to [email protected] or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.