YDDP is the first cross-industry partnership of its kind, building the skills and networks of young dairy professionals across the state.

According to the Victorian Farmers' Federation, the funding to get YDDP off the ground in the initial stages ended in June and industry has been working together to secure the program’s future.

The Geoffrey Gardiner Dairy Foundation (GGDF), which has been the principal funder of YDDP since inception, has confirmed it will fund the project for another six months as dairy industry bodies consider long term options.

GGDF chief executive officer Paul Ford said with 600 members across Victoria, YDDP was becoming a critical networking and skills building program for young dairy professionals.

"With events that tackle the labour shortage, making the best use of IT on farms and financial management, this project is leading the way in building the skills of young dairy farmers and service providers," Mr Ford said.

The United Dairyfarmers of Victoria president Doug Chant said the Gardiner Foundation had again showed its incredible support for dairy farmers.

"This project is going ahead in leaps and bounds and will secure the future of our industry, by ensuring our young dairy professionals are supported in building their skills," Mr Chant said.

* www.yddp.vff.org.au.