He wants to become more active in the wider dairy industry and sees the program as an opportunity to expand his knowledge and learn from others.
Mr Brooks, 51, grew up on a family dairy farm at Barooga, and farmed with his brother before setting out on his own property.
He and wife Jodi have two sons and two daughters and operate a 160ha dairy farm with about 300 cows.
‘‘I had a friend recommend the program to me,’’ Mr Brooks said.
‘‘I want to see some fundamental changes in our dairy industry, so I thought this might help me figure out some ways to help this happen.
‘‘For some reason we are one of the few businesses which produce a product and we don’t place a price on it.
‘‘I believe a strong farming industry is good for the whole community.
‘‘But when they are under pressure the stresses extend also to the whole community.’’
Mr Brooks has been active in the regional UDV branch, involved in schools and with sporting bodies.