Open until the 31 December, the 2015 Regional Wellbeing Survey forms an important piece of social research that farming organisations and government agencies
draw on to understand farmers’ views and social impacts on a range of regional issues.

This year’s survey covers issues such as drought, water reform, green tape, CSG and mining, sustainable farming practices, markets, farm finance, and innovation.
With more than 9000 respondents in 2014, the survey results to provide a sound statistical policy resource.

For more information and to complete the online survey visit: http://www.regionalwellbeing.org.au

The results of voting on the Dairy Levy Poll Process Review were delivered on
2 December 2015, with the majority of voters in favour of the recommended changes. The levy payer vote drew 24.70% of votes, with 89.95% voting in
support of the recommended changes.

ADF President, Simone Jolliffe said the Federal Government has now be advised of the outcomes of the three month consultation process.

“The essential question was whether levy payers believed we should opt for a levy poll only when a change in the levy was being sought,” said Mrs Jolliffe.

“Every levy payer has been contacted through the consultation process. They’ve been provided opportunity to comment and to vote for or against the recommendations
of the review. The most significant recommendation is that a levy poll should only be held if a change to the levy is proposed.

“The response from levy payers including through the vote, which closed on Friday 27 November, provides a strong signal that dairy farmers believe the
industry should make the changes to the levy poll process.”

Once the changes are made, if farmers believe a poll is necessary, there is a failsafe mechanism for a group of levy payers representing at least 15 per
cent of levy votes to call a Dairy Australia general meeting and propose a resolution that a poll be held.

“Against the benchmark of a shareholder vote, the consultation and voter turnout for this review demonstrates significant engagement and support by levy
payers,” Mrs Jolliffe said.

Saturday 5 December, is World Soil Day. The Food and Agriculture Organisation
of the United Nations kicked off World Soil Day of recognition in 2002, and we’re using the occasion to celebrate the role healthy soils play in building
productive and profitable farms.

By getting the trace elements in the soil right, farmers on Australian dairy farms often find they have the potential to drive increased milk production
higher.

Regular soil testing is necessary to make informed decisions on fertiliser use and soil management and the interpretation of soil test results is key to
making the most cost-effective fertiliser choice. Dairying for Tomorrow’s Fert$mart program includes a range of tools to help advisers and farmers
get soil “right” and make informed, cost-effective fertiliser management decisions.

Australian Dairy Farmer’s (ADF) Natural Resources Policy Advisory Group Chair, Daryl Hoey said insufficient fertiliser negatively impacts on pasture growth.
This means less pasture and means farmers have to increase supplementary feeding or reduce stocking rates. Too much fertiliser, or fertilising at the
wrong time means wasted resources.

“The key is to have the balance in soil just right so that nutrients are available for optimal pasture growth and are not lost in run-off into waterways
and dams,” Mr Hoey said.

Soil health can also be improved by the implementation of a well-managed effluent system. Effluent is a valuable resource for reducing fertiliser costs,
increasing soil fertility, adding organic matter to soil and providing valuable nutrients and moisture to crops and pastures.

“We now have a better understanding of effluent management than ever before,” Mr Hoey said. “The industry has moved away from a waste product mentality
to taking a resource utilisation approach and, as a result, not only do we have improved productivity on farm, we are leaving our soils in better condition
now and for future generations.”

Australia’s dairy farmers have always had a strong commitment to environmental sustainability with industry bodies such as ADF and Dairy Australia coordinating
a range of industry programs to help farmers manage fertiliser use, improve soil health and minimise the impact of effluent.

The dairy industry’s sustainability framework Mr Hoey explained, underpins the whole of value chain effort to minimise the environmental footprint of dairy.

“The framework has been used to identify priority areas, goals and objectives for sustainability,” said Mr Hoey. “It sets the scene for industry programs
like Fer$mart and farmer investment and practices to deliver better results for both farmers and the environment.”

“Dairy farmers have a real commitment to managing land and water responsibly, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting natural resources for future
generations,” said Mr Hoey.

“And as a bonus, many farmers are finding that, with proper soil and fertiliser management, they can produce more feed at no extra cost.”

To find out more about the role healthy soils play on Australian dairy farms take a look here.

Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Victorian dairy farmer, Mr John Harlock as the incoming Chairman of the Australian
Dairy Herd Improvement Scheme (ADHIS). ADHIS is the national dairy genetic evaluation organisation that provides Australian Breeding Values (ABVs)
and other objective information about the genetic merit of dairy cattle. As an ADF initiative, ADHIS receives the majority of its funding Dairy Australia
through the Dairy Service Levy.

John operates a 350 cow dairy farm near Warrnambool with his wife, Shirley. John has held positions on a number of dairy industry boards including the
Warrnambool Cheese & Butter Company, Genetics Australia, Western Herd Improvement and Warrnambool Co-operative Society, has also served on the
ADHIS Board for eight years. As a member and former branch president of the United Dairyfarmers of Victoria, Mr Harlock has a strong understanding
of the broader dairy industry and the issues faced by farmers.

ADHIS CEO, Daniel Abernethy thanked outgoing chair, Mr Adrian Drury who has decided to step down to focus on the adoption of new technology in his dairy
business on the north coast of New South Wales.

“Adrian has lead ADHIS through one of the most sustained periods of intense development in the organisation’s thirty year history,” Mr Abernethy said.
“Under his leadership ADHIS has seen the successful implementation of genomics, the launch of the Good Bulls Guide, a world-first Feed Saved ABV and
the complete review of the National Breeding Objective.”

“We thank Adrian for his service and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”

On
30 November 2015 video footage prepared by New Zealand animal rights group ‘Farmwatch’ aired on national television in New Zealand. The footage exposed
incidents of appalling treatment of calves at different points along the New Zealand bobby calf supply chain.

The Australian dairy industry has been shocked by the cruelty shown in the footage. Any mistreatment of animals, including this cruel behavior, is completely
unacceptable.

Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) and its farmer members take their responsibilities for animal welfare seriously and are committed to continuous improvement
in their animal husbandry practices. All animals, including calves must be treated with care.

This footage in no way represents reality for the majority of people in the Australian dairy industry responsible for calves and cows. We want to reassure
our customers and consumers to know we are actively engaging with farmers, manufacturers and transporters to ensure such practices do not happen on
Australian dairy farms.

The Australian dairy industry supports the draft Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Cattle as well as the Land Transport Standards
and Guidelines. These were developed in partnership with the animal welfare groups and Government, and provide industry with clear animal health and
welfare standards.

The dairy industry expects that all persons managing livestock abide by these standards and is committed to working with farmers to ensure best practice
is observed on farm.

ADF, in collaboration with Dairy Australia, and other industry partners continues to work closely with transporters and the meat industry to ensure our
cows and calves are well looked after. We also continue to work with industry, Government and animal welfare groups such as the RSPCA to ensure the
wellbeing of our herds in all farming systems.

For further information regarding this matter, please see the DairyNZ and Federated Farmers joint statement here

A leader is only as strong as its team, according to Stella Axarlis AM.

Speaking at the National Centre for Dairy Education’s (NCDE) second
annual oration on 25 November 2015, Ms Axarlis inspired the audience with her humorous, frank speech titled ‘A lifelong pursuit of excellence through
education’ .

Through hard work, dedication and an unrelenting desire to learn, Ms Axarlis has succeeded and excelled in varied careers. From teacher and opera singer
to managing director, industry representative and community advocate, the speaker’s diverse career has provided her a lifetime of lessons.

Ms Axarlis’ 20 years’ as an opera singer provided lessons in leadership and teamwork. She told the audience: “if you don’t perform as a team then your
performance is only as good as the weakest person on that stage.”

Ms Axarlis also underlined the importance of prioritising health and wellbeing.

“Be kind to yourself. I know how hard you (dairy farmers) work so you have to look after yourself.”

Delivered to 100 members of the Australian dairy industry, including ADF’s President and CEO, the oration’s themes reflected ADF’s belief that skilled,
motivated people are the industry’s most important on-farm asset.

Executive Manager of NCDE and GOTAFE and Oration guest of honour, Peter Carkeek was also celebrated during the evening for his commitment to the NCDE.

Outgoing ADF President, Noel Campbell with NCDE Orator, Stella Axarlis AM and ADF CEO, Ben Stapley at the 2015 NCDE Oration.

Two hundred and fifty of Australia’s leading dairy representatives from across the whole value chain, gathered in Melbourne on 27 November 2015 for the
annual Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) Leaders Breakfast.

Centred on the theme “The dairy domino effect: leading healthy, sustainable, profitable communities”, the event explored the interdependent nature
of dairy’s future success and building recognition for the industry’s social and economic value.

Guest speaker and rural sociologist, Dr Neil Barr told industry leaders that the decline in farmer populations over the past decade posed no threat to
the future of Australian dairy.

“Dairying is the future for young farmers in Australia. The demand for opportunities is there, the industry just needs to work on developing the pathways
to get them involved.”

Dr Barr also highlighted that developing the amenities of dairying towns and encouraging investment in recreational facilities, would be key to retaining
skilled workers.

Outgoing ADIC Chair, Noel Campbell highlighted that new opportunities for growth and prosperity brought with them the responsibility to demonstrate dairy’s
value to people, the land, livestock and the global community.

“The extent to which the Australian community understands the story behind the tubs of yoghurt and flavoured milk in their fridges will directly impact
their trust and investment in our industry’s future. We need to share our industry’s story with our communities, our consumers and our customers if
we are to achieve our 2025 Dairy Vision: prosperous, trusted and world renowned for nutrition,” Mr Campbell said.

“Collectively, dairy demonstrates its value through initiatives such as the Dairy Industry Sustainability Framework, as well as the search for the Legendairy Capital.
It is essential that our industry continues to build on such initiatives.”

Guests also heard from a panel including Senator Richard Colbeck, Corangamite Councillor Chris O’Connor, CEO of Bega Cheese Barry Irvin, Co-owner of Myrtleford
Butter Factory Naomi Ingleton and Gipps Dairy Director Dr Sinead De Gooyer.

Dr Sinead De Goyer discusses farmer health as an integral part of sustainability with the ADIC Leader’s Breakfast Panel.

Outgoing ADIC Chair, Noel Campbell, ADIC Deputy Chair, Robert Poole, Incoming ADIC Chair, Simone Jolliffe and Senator Richard Colbeck at the ADIC Leaders’
Breakfast.

Victorian dairy farmer and advocate, Shirley Harlock has been recognised for her contribution to the Australian dairy industry, as the 2015 recipient of
the Australian Dairy Industry Council’s (ADIC) Outstanding Service Award (OSA).

The OSA celebrates the lives and careers of industry participants whose contribution has significantly shaped the dairy community and beyond for the benefit
of the whole value chain. The award was presented to Mrs Harlock at the ADIC’s annual Leaders Breakfast on 27 November 2015.

Outgoing ADIC Chair, Noel Campbell said Mrs Harlock continues to be a key player in shaping the policy landscape for Australian dairy.

“Shirley has a strong belief in advancing industry change through science and innovation. This has seen her advocate for the continued investment in research
and development to industry, government and the broader community,” Mr Campbell said.

“For over four decades, she has been extensively involved with industry representation, helping to find practical, effective solutions to its challenges.”

Mrs Harlock has held local and executive positions with United Dairyfarmers of Victoria, and was a Director of Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF). She also
served as Chair of Dairy Food Safety Victoria for ten years. In 2005, Mrs Harlock was appointed Chair of the Dairy Australia Future Dairy project,
charged with research, development and adoption of robotic technology for Australian dairy farms.

In partnership with her husband John, Mrs Harlock continues to actively operate dairy farms in Warrnambool and support farms in South Australia.

Addressing a room filled with dairy leaders from across the whole value chain, Mrs Harlock took the opportunity to remind guests to ensure to be involved
in finding shared solutions to the industry’s challenges.

“I live by the philosophy that, if you’re not involved, you’re part of the problem,” Mrs Harlock said. “I’m extremely proud to be a dairyfarmer. No industry
could offer such reward, opportunity, support and encouragement – you just have to be prepared to avail yourself of it and be involved.”

ADIC Deputy Chair, Robert Poole and Outgoing ADIC Chair, Noel Campebll with 2015 OSA Winner, Shirley Harlock and her husband John.

A concerted effort to reduce power costs and dairy’s environmental footprint is seeing
increasing numbers of Australian producers implement more efficient, ‘green’ on farm practices.

In Athlone, Gippsland former mechanical engineer and seventh generation dairy farmer, Lindsay Anderson is harnessing solar energy to the benefit of reduced
on-farm costs. Converting all his large single-phase motors to three-phase motors using variable speed drives as phase converters, Mr Anderson has implemented renewable technology throughout his business. He devised a 5 kilo-watt grid-connected solar system which supplies power to his automatic milking system, his workshop and farm house.

This system provides enough power to feedback through the grid for a payment each quarter – providing some additional income for Mr Anderson.

“This system can save me between 15 to 33% of electricity consumption,” Mr Anderson said.

It also means there is even less diesel used on the property so the environment will also be better off.

According to dairy’s 2014 Sustainability Framework Progress Report, Mr Anderson is one of many dairy farmers adopting energy efficient procedures on farm.
Since 2012 40% of farms have installed some form of renewable energy installation.

Chair of the Sustainability Framework Steering Committee, Chris Griffin said that dairy producers have always been stewards of the land, and are constantly
getting smarter about energy efficiency on farm.

“Dairy farmers have a real commitment to managing land and water responsibly, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting natural resources for future
generations. They are constantly reviewing their practices in response to seasonal conditions and a changing climate,” said Mr Griffin.

“As a bonus, many farmers are finding that these measures are cost effective.”

Working with Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) and Dairy Australia, the ADIC has lobbied hard to secure Government funding to support uptake of energy efficient
technology on farm. Combined with industry investment, Federal and state programs have assisted farmers and manufacturers with the upfront capital
costs in energy efficient or renewable energy technology, and therefore increased uptake.

The dairy industry has seen the benefit of such co-funded initiatives through Dairy Australia and the Federal Government’s Energy Efficiency Information
Program. These nationwide assessments have already helped 1,400 farms. Guidelines have also been developed to complement these assessments and provide
information about where energy is used in dairies, as well as identify where greater efficiency can be found.

In two years since the Sustainability Framework was implemented, manufacturers’ use of fuel and electricity has reduced by 14.5%. Together, the whole value
chain is vigorously pursuing its target of reducing the intensity of greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2020.

“We will continue with programs and projects that are guiding the industry toward improved returns, while minimising our environmental footprint and improving
the wellbeing of our people and animals,” Mr Griffin explained.

“There is still work to be done, but we are most definitely headed in the right direction.”

Earlier this year, ADF shifted its climate change policy, calling for joint industry and government investment in adopting energy efficient technologies
on farm. Chair of the ADF Natural Resources Policy Advisory Group, Daryl Hoey said the revised policy highlights to Parliament, consumers and the broader
community that the industry remains actively engaged in reducing its environmental impact.

“The scientific evidence, international policy, and public interest in increased climate variability justify industry action. Our whole value chain strives
to continually reduce its environmental footprint, through uptake of new technologies, improved management and adoption of farming systems to suit
climate variability,”

“The Australian Government can promote the industry’s effective response to climate variability through sustained investment in agriculture R, D&E
and the uptake of energy efficient technologies on farm.”

This includes new solutions that both reduce emissions and improve profitability, international research collaboration, and methodologies that support
a whole-farm-systems approach in reducing emissions.

“The Australian dairy industry is keenly observing the Government’s response to the United Nation’s Climate Change Conference taking place in Paris this
December,” Mr Hoey said.

“We are aware the outcomes of this event may impact the Australian Government’s approach to emissions reduction policy. We want to ensure any policy initiatives
do not undermine our trade exposed industry, but instead support dairy farmers’ ability to manage risk, innovate and adapt to climate variability.”

For more information on ADF’s policy on carbon emissions and climate change click here.

The Australian dairy industry has been recognised for its ongoing commitment to sustainability at the
Banksia Sustainability Awards held in Sydney on November 13.

The industry was presented with the Food for Sustainable Thought Award and was a finalist for the Natural Capital Award for work achieved under its
Sustainability Framework. Chair of the Sustainability
Framework Steering Committee, Chris Griffin accepted the award on behalf of the industry.

“The Australian dairy industry is committed to achieving ongoing improvement to ensure a sustainable future for the next generation of farmers and
dairy consumers,” Mr Griffin said.

“We thank the Banksia Foundation and the judges involved for recognising our commitment to a sustainable future and our progress so far.”

An important part of the Australian dairy industry implementing the framework is for customers and the community to follow our performance and progress,”
Mr Griffin said.

“We welcome the opportunity to share the evidence of our progress against key targets on our farms and in the manufacturing sector.”

An initiative of the Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) in collaboration with Dairy Australia, the Australian Dairy Industry Sustainability Framework
takes whole-of-chain approach to sustainability from feed production to manufacturing, retail and packaging.

Endorsed by industry in 2012, the Framework outlines the industry’s commitment to enhance livelihoods, improve wellbeing and reduce our environmental
footprint. 

To ensure dairy is recognised worldwide as a responsible, responsive and prosperous producer of nutritious food, the Framework sets 11 economic, social
and environmental targets to be achieved by the year 2020.

The third Sustainability Framework Progress Report is due to be released in February 2016 to benchmark how the industry is tracking towards achieving
these targets, including supporting case studies to back these findings.

The Australian Dairy Industry Council’s (ADIC) has expressed concern in a submission to the
Senate Inquiry into the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, regarding the impact of the Basin Plan on dairy business viability.

Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) is calling upon the Coalition Government to adopt stronger
misuse of market power laws to foster a more competitive business environment.