Forty participants aged 16 to 20 years from across Australia converged for the annual event, which aims to encourage young people to consider a career in the dairy industry.

Organiser Sue Bird said the camp was an enormous success.

“The kids have really enjoyed themselves and learnt about all aspects of the dairy industry from commercial to showing,” she said.

Each participant prepared a heifer for show at the end of the week, with leading and judging competitions culminating the camp.

A total of 45 animals were supplied by Geoff Akers, Loxleigh Jerseys, Northern Victoria, and Pam and Kellie Malcolm, Paringa Holsteins, Invergordon.

This year, the winner of the sought-after Overall Genetics Australia Sheri Martin Memorial Scholarship was Emma Ludington, Sydney, NSW.

Ms Ludington has just completed year 12 at Hurlston Agricultural College and plans to spend the $2000 scholarship on an artificial insemination course.

The camp was hosted by 14 leaders, which included experts from all areas of the dairy industry, as well as past participants.

Ms Bird said the leaders were able to impart valuable knowledge to the kids.

“The camp also has sponsors like Genetics Australia and the kids have to research each company and organisation,” she said.

“It’s great because the kids really begin to understand the different types of jobs that are available.”

However, the week wasn’t all about hard work. On-farm visits included Kerry Ross’ dairy farm at Ballarat, which was a particular highlight for many kids.

For Ashlea Hughes, 17 – who is completing a certificate three in agriculture through the National Centre for Dairy Education Australia at her school Mary Mackillop, Leongatha – the camp was a last minute decision that paid off.

“I come from a commercial dairy farm, so it has given me an insight into what showing cows is like,” she said.

The kids were also taught how to professionally prepare animals for show – an area the Victorian teenager was keen to improve on.

“I really enjoyed how to trim the heifers properly,” Ms Hughes said. “I didn’t realise how much effort goes into it.”