WINNERS: The major award winners of the NCDEA National Dairy All Breeds Youth Camp celebrate their achievements. Pictured left to right Pat Nicholson, Sarah Chant, Brad Allot, Minister for Skills and Workforce Participation, Jacinta Allan, Jack Quirk ($2000 Genetics Australia Scholarship winner), Brooke Somerville and Narelle Savige (NCDEA project officer).

FORTY-FOUR young dairy enthusiasts from Australia and overseas converged on the National Centre for Dairy Education Australia (NCDEA) Warragul Campus for the week long National All Dairy Breeds Youth Camp from January 7-11, 2008.

The participants came from as far afield as Western Australia, far north Queensland, New Zealand and the United Kingdom as well as from northern Victoria, Gippsland and NSW.

Running since 1992 the camp brings together like minded youth with an interest and a passion for the dairy industry.

Participants learnt the finer points of dairy cow conformation, gaining an understanding of what makes up a profitable dairy cow.

Over the week the participants learnt about the art of judging, showing, clipping, washing, caring for heifers and cow nutrition.

The program culminated with the preparation of animals for exhibition incorporating basic handling skills right through to a finished show standard presentation.

Awards were presented for most improved, encouragement, clipping, showing, judging, captain’s award, best team and of course the overall $2000 scholarship from Genetics Australia.

Camp organiser and NCDEA project officer, Narelle Savige, said the camp is "a great learning experience for all participants, where they learn terrific team building skills over the week".

For more information on dairy farming courses contact the NCDEA on 1300 062332 or visit www.ncdea.edu.au.