This year’s Don Campbell Memorial Tour brought together 14 Gippsland farmers and three tour leaders, who travelled to Tasmania from March 2 to 7 for a week of insight, connection and professional development.
Although the tour began with weather‑related flight delay, the disruptions did little to diminish the enthusiasm of the group, and the experience quickly became a highlight in the participants’ careers.
Over five days, the group visited 10 farms across Tasmania’s northern dairy belt, exploring a wide variety of operations. These included organic farms, enterprises undertaking microbial trials, corporate businesses, and family‑run properties, providing a broad perspective on the diversity within the Tasmanian dairy sector.
Several farms also showcased new and emerging technologies, such as teat‑spray robots, collar‑based monitoring systems and virtual herding platforms, illustrating how innovation is shaping the future of dairy farming.
Beyond the farm gates, participants also enjoyed Tasmania’s scenery and local attractions, adding another dimension to the experience.
Leadership development remained a core focus throughout the tour.
Participants took responsibility for formally thanking each host for their time and openness, and they facilitated reflective discussions between farm visits, encouraging shared learning and deeper engagement with the insights gained.
A standout social highlight of the week was a trivia night held in collaboration with the local Tasmanian Young Dairy Network (YDN).
The evening provided an opportunity for participants to connect with their Tasmanian peers, exchange experiences and enjoy a relaxed break from the structured tour program.
The tour was proudly supported by DeLaval, whose sponsorship helped make the 2026 Don Campbell Memorial Tour possible and ensured participants could access a diverse and well‑rounded program.
The 2026 Don Campbell Memorial Tour ultimately offered a powerful blend of education, industry engagement and leadership growth.
It strengthened connections across regions, showcased the depth of innovation within the Tasmanian dairy industry and helped build confidence and capability among Gippsland’s emerging dairy leaders.
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