World Holstein Friesian Conference 2028

Holstein Australia looks forward to welcoming Holstein breeders and family members from around the world to Melbourne in south east Australia for the World Holstein Friesian Conference in January 2028.

Here is a taste of what visitors to ‘the land down under’ can expect.

Experience Melbourne

Known as Australia's most sophisticated, stylish and cosmopolitan city, Melbourne is characterised by its heritage buildings, stunning gardens, magical city laneways, sports and arts precincts, restaurants, bars and cafes.

Situated in Australia's far south-east, Victoria is Australia's largest dairy producing state, home to over 60% of the national dairy herd and responsible for around two-thirds of the country's milk production.

Melbourne is often dubbed the most ‘European’ of Australian cities and there is also a mini New York vibe here, thanks to the city’s well-ordered grid and scattering of art-deco high-rises. But Melbourne is uniquely Melbourne, too. Much of that is due to the 230-plus laneways that penetrate into the heart of city blocks, which are recognised for world-class street art, restaurants and bars. 

Take a look at this great video from our friends at Melbourne Convention Bureau for a flavour of what visitors to WHFF 2028 Conference in Melbourne can expect.

To keep up to date with our plans for the 2028 World Holstein Friesian Conference register your interest at WHFF2028@holstein.com.au today.

Time of Year

For the ultimate escape from the cold and dark weather that dominates the northern hemisphere in January, a visit to Melbourne and Australia will see WHFF visitors experiencing summer all over again!

Take in some of Melbourne’s summer markets, outdoor concerts or food and wine festivals. For tennis fans there is the opportunity to visit the Australian Open. And of course there is Australia’s International Dairy Week, including the National Holstein Show and New Zealand’s most prestigious dairy show and sale, NZ Dairy Event.

Proposed Event Program

To keep up to date with our plans for the 2028 World Holstein Friesian Conference register your interest at WHFF2028@holstein.com.au today.

Experience the real Australia

Along with visits to Holstein breeders in some of Australia’s prime dairy regions, there will be many opportunities for WHFF delegates, family and friends to visit some iconic Australian sites. Tours are currently being planned to visit:

The Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is one of the world's most scenic coastal drives. See the towering 12 Apostles, get up close to native wildlife, and take in iconic surf breaks, pristine rainforest and misty waterfalls. Get outdoors on bushwalking, surfing and mountain biking expeditions or take the cultural route through galleries, museums and heritage attractions.

Budj Bim Cultural Landscape

The UNESCO World Heritage listed Budj Bim Cultural Landscape is a unique place with universal heritage values that demonstrate how Gunditjmara people worked with the natural resources and environment of the Victorian south west region to establish a permanent place of human society – pre-dating Egyptian society and the Pyramids - over the past 30,000 years and beyond.

Grampians National Park

Traditionally known as Gariwerd, Grampians National Park is home to the largest number of significant and ancient Aboriginal rock art paintings and shelters in southern Australia. The Grampians draws walkers from around the world. Hike to the highest peak within the Grampians, Mount William, or explore the plethora of walks around Halls Gap and the Wonderland Range. There are more relaxing pursuits to enjoy in the Grampians, too. Go fishing, canoeing or kayaking at Lake Wartook, Lake Bellfield and Moora Moora Reservoir or one of the park’s many other streams and creeks.

Yarra Valley Wine Region

Victoria’s Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges, featuring rolling hills strung with vines, secluded natural valleys set against blue mountain backdrops and lush greenery and pastures, plus some of Australia’s top wineries. A visit to the Healesville Sanctuary wildlife park, home to native Australian birds and animals like platypus, koalas, Tasmanian devils, lyrebirds, echidnas and more, is also being planned.

Australian Holsteins

High production coupled with the Australian Holstein's adaptability to a wide range of environment conditions make Holsteins by far Australia's most popular dairy cow. Registered Australian Holsteins average 8,416 litres / 3.85% / 324kg Fat, 3.20% / 269kg Protein.

• 83% of Australia’s national dairy herd are Holsteins
• 2.3 million cows in Holstein Australia’s herd book 
• Pasture based dairy systems
  • Low bail grazing
  • Mod-high bail grazing
  • Partial mixed ration
  • Hybrid rations
  • Total mixed ration

Australian Dairy

The Australian dairy herd numbers approximately 1.34 million cows spread across 4,420 dairy farms. Some key facts and figures are:

• Number of dairy farms 4,420
• Average herd size 303 cows
• Average annual milk production per cow 6,203 litres
• Total annual milk production 8.6 billion litres
• Value of farmgate production $4.9 billion
• Australian milk production exported 36%
• Australian milk utilisation
  • 40% cheese
  • 30% drinking milk
  • 19% skim milk powder or butter
  • 3% whole milk powder
  • 8% other

About Holstein Australia

Holstein Australia is the member based dairy breed association dedicated to the promotion and advancement of the Holstein breed in Australia.

The Association plays a crucial role in supporting dairy farmers, breeders, and industry stakeholders through the provision of registration, classification and genetic improvement services.

It also provides an independent, member-focused voice on matters affecting genetic improvement in the Australian dairy industry and is committed to maximising the profitability of its members via the provision of world-class information, services and community.

Keep in touch by emailing WHFF2028@holstein.com.au. We look forward to welcoming you to Melbourne in January 2028!