By Ben Bennett, President, Australian Dairy Farmers
It is an honour to continue to serve on the Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) Board and to remain as President.
I was re-appointed by members at ADF’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) last week, along with fellow directors David Beca and Heath Cook.
Together, we stay committed to standing for the interests of dairy farmers across Australia and ensuring that their voices shape national policy decisions.
The AGM highlights the power of our united voice and the strength of our farmer-led organisation.
I would like to thank Andrew Aldridge, a Policy Advisory Group (PAG) chair and National Councillor, who stepped up to contest the election, making it a competitive process through his candidacy.
Dairy farmers like Andrew, who actively contribute their time and expertise, ensuring that ADF focuses on key issues impacting dairy farmers across Australia while also providing a succession pathway through the organisation.
PAGs undergoing a refresh
ADF is in the process of refreshing its Policy Advisory Groups (PAGs) to ensure they meet the evolving needs of dairy farmers.
This process aims to strengthen the PAGs so they can more effectively translate on-farm concerns into actionable policies.
PAGs have been, and remain, a vital link between the grassroots issues dairy farmers face and the national policies ADF advocates.
Through this refresh we’ve seen strong interest from the farming community, with a number of nominations received.
This response shows the value dairy farmers place on having their voices heard and shaping the direction of the dairy industry.
These nominations bring great perspectives and reinforce ADF’s foundation as a farmer-driven organisation.
This refresh also focuses on improving collaboration between PAGs, State Dairy Farmer Organisations (SDFOs), National Council and industry stakeholders.
By streamlining processes and improving communication, ADF strengthens its ability to respond to the big challenges the industry faces, from regulation to climate resilience and securing fair farmgate prices.
Tackling big issues in 2025
The year ahead presents significant priorities for ADF.
The review of the Dairy Code of Conduct stands out as a critical task.
Ensuring fairness across the supply chain remains essential to supporting trust and transparency between dairy farmers, processors, and retailers.
With a Federal Government election on the horizon, ADF continues advocating for policies that support the sustainability, innovation, and profitability of Australian dairy farms.
These priorities reflect the need for long-term solutions to address the challenges dairy farmers encounter daily.
ADF also focuses on supporting the global competitiveness of Australian dairy.
Rising production costs, access to reliable water supplies, and the need for clear labelling laws require immediate attention.
Labelling laws in particular play a vital role in protecting the integrity of dairy products and ensuring consumers can trust what they buy.
Encouraging dairy farmer engagement
At the core of ADF’s work lies a commitment to the dairy farming community.
ADF relies on farmers, advisors, and advocates to actively take part in shaping the industry’s future. ADF encourages all dairy farmers to get involved.
Join your local SDFO, take part in PAG discussions, and share your voice. ADF’s strength comes from the collective effort of the farming community.
By working together, we amplify the voice of Australian dairy farmers and tackle the issues that matter most.
Moving forward together
As ADF enters 2025, I remain committed to leading with determination.
The challenges we face as an industry are significant, but so is the resilience and ingenuity of dairy farmers.
The Board, National Council and PAGs, combined with the strong participation from dairy farmers, sets a solid foundation for addressing the road ahead.
Together, we ensure that ADF stays focused on delivering real outcomes for farmers.
Whether it’s addressing rising costs, advocating for fair prices, holding processors accountable or ensuring a seat at key policy tables, ADF continues to represent the interests of every dairy farmer in Australia.
Here’s to a productive and purposeful 2025.
By standing united and actively taking part, we strengthen our industry and secure a strong future for Australian dairy.