Drink the white stuff on World Milk Day

Drink the white stuff on World Milk Day

Narelle Zanker is herd manager and co-founder of an agritourism business in Mannum, South Australia, sees her days spent monitoring herd health, managing grazing rotations and caring for calves. Picture supplied

Happy World Milk Day!! Enjoy that flat white, smoothie or glass of milk now.

Today is all about celebrating the women behind Australia's dairy industry, the ones keeping the milk flowing while juggling life on farm, family, community roles and often a second job or two.

Women now make up 35 per cent of Australia's dairy farming workforce, and they play a vital role in getting fresh, nutritious dairy from farm to fridge.

Dairy Australia research shows dairy remains firmly part of Aussies daily routines, with more than 8 in 10 people actively consuming dairy in daily diets and 80 per cent expressing admiration for the farmers who produce it.

The new research shows milk, cheese and yoghurt remain staples in daily diets and are widely valued across the community.

As consumers grow increasingly focused on getting their protein in - milk and dairy stand out as naturally high quality protein sources, offering a complete amino acid profile to support bone health, muscle maintenance and growth.

Milk remains one of Australia's most widely consumed nutritious foods, providing over ten essential nutrients including calcium, protein, iodine and vitamin B12, which support bone health, muscle maintenance and growth as well as overall wellbeing.

With growing consumer focus on protein-rich diets, milk and dairy stand out as naturally high-quality protein sources, offering a complete amino acid profile to support strength, recovery and everyday nutrition.

Juggling a family and dairy herd is a balancing act for Renata Cumming, a dairy farmer and recent farm owner in southwest Victoria. Picture supplied

Renata Cumming is a dairy farmer and recent farm owner in southwest Victoria.

"Women are incredibly capable in this industry, we each bring valuable perspectives and skills to the farm, particularly at a time of increasing pressure," she said.

"It's a proud feeling to be recognised for the work we do to produce a high-quality food, while caring for our people, land, and animals to bring Australians their daily milk."

As a second-generation farmer and mum of three boys in Jones Island, NSW, Rachel Nicholson farms with her husband while teaching primary school and creating artworks inspired by her cows.

She is proud of her predominantly female workforce, made up of women balancing farm work with study, motherhood, caregiving and industry committee roles.

"Dairy farming can be unpredictable, but moments like seeing milk on supermarket shelves or knowing it's being poured onto children's cereal each morning remind me why the work matters, Ms Nicholson said.

As a second-generation farmer and mum of three boys in Jones Island, NSW, Rachel Nicholson farms with her husband while teaching primary school and creating artworks inspired by her cows. Picture supplied

"We put so much care into looking after our animals, our land and the quality of the milk we produce, so there is a real sense of satisfaction in knowing that product is trusted and valued by Australian families."

After four years working as a teacher, Narelle Zanker swapped the classroom for life on the farm.

Today, her role as herd manager and co-founder of an agritourism business in Mannum, South Australia, sees her days spent monitoring herd health, managing grazing rotations and caring for calves.

"There's something very special about knowing that the work we do each day helps provide families and communities with nutritious dairy products. I'm very grateful to be part of an industry that feeds people, and I don't take for granted the opportunity to produce something that so many Australians enjoy every day," Ms Zander said.

"I'm proud to be part of an industry where women are continuing to make a strong impact, and I love being able to encourage and inspire the next generation to see agriculture as an exciting, rewarding career path."