YDN Strategic Steering Committee member - Andrew Taylor

Q1: Your role in the Dairy industry? 

I have worked with Parmalat Australia for 21 years, firstly as a field officer but over the last 11 years I have also been heavily involved with milk forecasting, scenario planning/modelling and policy development. I am the first contact for our suppliers in the Beaudesert/Moreton Region of south-east Queensland.

Q2: The best part of being involved in the dairy industry?

The friendships that have been developed over the years and working with truly professional teams both within Parmalat but also with the wider industry.

Q3: What three words best describe you?

Loyal, dependable and definitely not athletic.

Q4: What's your greatest achievement to date?

The birth of our two gorgeous boys, Lachlan and William.

Q5: Who would you rather be? Ricky Ponting, Wayne Bennett or Richard Branson.

Richard Branson the guy is so cool (and rich).

Q6: What makes a great mentor?

Approachability, patience and the ability to encourage and lead by example.

Q7: What’s the difference between you the Dairy Professional and you the family man?

Difficult question to answer because I am the same person what you see is what you get. My professional life is deliberately separated from family life, except when I am on call. In other words, I deliberately devote as much time as possible to my kids without letting work come between us, but once my dairy hat is on that becomes my focus.

Q8: What piece of advice would you give to a young person entering the dairy industry right now?

Talk to as many experienced people as possible and do your research. Look at things objectively rather than emotionally.

Q9: (Apart from Price) What is the one thing, that if changed would have the biggest impact on the dairy industry?

True cohesion and co-operation between all sectors of the industry, from paddock to plate. Enough said.

Q10: What would you like to be remembered for?

My dependability and friendship.