On Wednesday 22 April the Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) in partnership for the first time with leading industry super fund, Prime Super hosted
an annual Business Breakfast, themed Our Industry, Our Future: Generation Dairy.

The breakfast received an enthusiastic response, with over 100 young farmers, processors and dairy service representatives taking the opportunity to discuss
what is working well to support young peoples’ development and growth in dairy, as well as what else need to be done.

Queensland dairy farmer and former Chair of the Australian Dairy Conference 2014, Paul Roderick was the keynote speaker for the breakfast. A fifth generation
dairy farmer, Mr Roderick has been actively involved with a number of industry programs including the Young Dairy Network of Australia and firmly believes
in their worth.

Mr Roderick said that people in dairy need to focus more on ensuring the next generation has the confidence to lead their farm businesses as well as the
processing sector forward.

“What motivates and inspires confidence in people is not always a question of dollars,” he said. “It involves ensuring people in dairy are supported through
investment in up-skilling, building efficiencies into their businesses and new technology.”

Further to this, Mr Roderick said, there was a need to encourage rather than tear down leaders.

“To be a self-confessed ‘leader’ in dairy or any agricultural industry runs the risk of being cut down as a tall poppy. As naturally quite humble people,
dairy farmers can be harsh on people who do speak out. This in turn puts some people off moving into industry roles. But sometimes the right thing
to say or do may not make you popular.”

These sentiments were echoed by ADIC Chair, Noel Campbell who said that leadership is less about management and more about being an agent for change.

“We all have a role to play in leading Australian dairy toward a more sustainable, profitable future.

“The more people who get involved and contribute to important debates, the stronger our voice as a united industry will be,” Mr Campbell said.

A panel of young dairy talent followed Mr Roderick’s presentation. Comprised of Tasmanian dairyfarmer, Nick Dornauf; Victorian farmer and veterinarian,
Stuart Griffin; and Australian Dairy Herd Improvement Scheme extension officer, Sarah Saxton, the panel discussed how the current generation can get
the next generation involved in important representative and service groups.

Stuart Griffin, whose father Chris is Australian Dairy Farmers’ immediate past President, said it all came down to timing.

“As farmers we never want to do anything to the detriment of the farm, and when you consider how much time these roles can occupy, it can make you second
guess it,” Mr Griffin said.

“In truth though, there’s never a wrong time to get involved – it’s about knowing you’re supported and will have guidance along the way.”

On the heels of the event, renewed industry focus has been placed on highlighting the various pathways available to people in dairy, whether stepping up
or stepping back, and getting the current dairying generation to place more trust in their successors – an issue brought to the forefront by Mr Roderick.

“Too often in our industry the older generation struggles to let go of responsibility and put their faith in the next generation. Without a clear plan
of succession…more often than not that lack of faith can lead to the end of a farming business.”

The ADIC will continue to support and promote the continued development and prosperity of young people in dairy by addressing shortfalls in critical resourcing
and funding for services to improve education, safety and wellbeing in the dairying community.

Over the past decade, Australian dairy farms have faced many challenges to profitability. With the wide range of climatic zones, production systems, operating
structures and milk price structures – it’s no wonder there is no silver bullet to ensuring long-term farm profitability.

Following key outcomes from the 2014 Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) National Dairy Farmers’ Summit, and earlier recommendations of the Horizon 2020 study,
the Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) commissioned Dairy Australia to prepare a report on Sustainable Farm Profitability.

The report, released this month, focuses on the on-farm factors that influence individual dairy farmers’ ability to run profitable farm businesses. Macro
drivers outside of farmers’ control, such as weather events, milk price volatility and government policy, are put aside to provide a focus on the aspects
of technical efficiency, management capability, tactical flexibility, cost control and investment decisions that farmers can make to deal with risk
and volatility.

Dairy Australia’s Farm Business Capability Program Manager, Neil Lane said dairy farms are significantly more successful when farmers are good at managing
their business across the board, with a combination of technical and financial skills.

“There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to sustaining profitability and it can be a challenge for many individual dairy businesses, however in both good
times and bad, there are key areas that farmers can improve to better safeguard their businesses,” Mr Lane said.

Download your copy of the Sustainable Farm Profitability report, here.

On 30 March, Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) welcomed the release of the Competition Policy Review Panel’s final report as crucial to creating a healthier, more competitive and successful market place for consumers, food suppliers and retailers.

Also known as the Harper Review, the independent policy review’s stronger focus on balancing market power between supplier and retailers has been well
received as acknowledgement of the significant input and recommendations ADF made on competition law and policy.

The Review is the first evaluation of Australia’s competition policy in 22 years and recommends strengthening provisions for abuse of market power, as
well as proposing changes to collective bargaining that will strengthen farmers’ negotiating power.

ADF President, Noel Campbell said the Review’s recommendation to re-introduce an Effects Test to measure the ‘purpose, effect or likely effect’ of retailer
actions on suppliers was particularly positive.

“We support the Panel’s recommendations to increase the focus on dealing with the current imbalance of major retailer market power, through initiatives
such as the Effects Test.

“Farmers need every opportunity to improve their negotiating power for profitability and returns at the farm-gate to be achieved,” Mr Campbell said.

Mr Campbell did however express disappointment that there was no meaningful consideration in the review of the role of a Mandatory Code of Conduct, or
the need for a Supermarket Ombudsman “with teeth” to address the issue of potential misuse of market power.

“The unequal distribution of market power means that farmers are often backed into a corner when it comes to farm-gate prices. This is a disadvantage that
is heightened due to logistical constraints in supplying perishable goods,” Mr Campbell explained.

Mr Campbell said ADF looked forward to the opportunity to respond to the Review’s recommendations to ensure that our nation’s competition legislation is
robust and able to protect our dairy farmers going forward.

“ADF will also continue to advocate as legislative amendments are developed to prevent potentially damaging situations, such as retailer predatory pricing
in future,” Mr Campbell said.

The Competition Policy Review is one of three significant developments to occur in 2015, alongside the announcement of the Competition and Consumer (Industry Codes – Food and Grocery) Regulation 2015 in March, and the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper which is due for release later this year.

To view ADF’s submission to the Competition Policy Review,click here.

Tuesday 7 April is World Health Day and this year the World Health Organisation is
highlighting the importance of food safety with the theme: “From farm to plate, make food safe’.

It’s a theme that rings true when it comes to dairy foods.

Fact is: Australians buy a lot of dairy. According to Dairy Australia,
in 2013/2014 we each consumed around 105.7 litres of milk, 13.4 kilograms of cheese, 3.9 kilograms of butter and 7.4 kilograms of yogurt.

But, there can be a fair amount of wastage in consumer land due to how the product has been handled post-purchase.

So, in the spirit of ‘waste not, want not’ and to shine the light on dairy food safety here are a few practical hints that might come in handy:

• When the mercury’s rising, store your dairy foods in a cooler bag to transport them from the supermarket to home.
• Make the dairy cabinet your last stop on your shopping trip, adding dairy foods to your trolley just before you hit the check out.
• Check use-by dates and consider whether you can consume the food before its expiry date.
• Take a tip from the supermarkets and pack your fridge like a pro – put foods that need to be consumed sooner at the front so they are used first.
• Store milk in its original packaging – don’t transfer to glass bottles or jugs as these allow light in that can cause milk to spoil.
• Milk can be frozen and then thawed overnight in the fridge. The milk may appear slightly grainy when thawed, but a good shake will fix this.
• Butter is best purchased when required, but properly sealed it can be kept frozen for up to 12 months.
• Wrap gourmet cheeses in baking paper and place in a sealed container in the fridge to help them last longer.

Of course, despite the very best efforts we have all been faced with a favourite dairy food that is edging towards its use-by date. But don’t despair –
check out these inspirational ideas for using up left over dairy foods
from the popular Kidspot blog!

Source: LEGENDAIRY 

On 25 March, Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) participated in the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) Water Taskforce workshop. The agenda was focused on a discussion about the Murray-Darling Basin Plan and its measured social and economic impact on the wellbeing of
people living in the Basin area.

Access to water is important in many ways for the wellbeing of rural and regional Australians. The Murray-Darling Basin Plan is Australia’s largest water
reform in recent decades and significantly changes access to water in the Basin. Evaluating the impact of the Basin Plan is complex, particularly separating
out the impacts as a result of the Basin Plan compared to changes that would have occurred anyway.

At the workshop, the NFF Taskforce discussed the work to date in evaluating this impact with the Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) and the Department of the Environment (DoE). In addition, the survey leader of the Regional Wellbeing
Survey – undertaken by the University of Canberra, in collaboration with MDB Futures – shared preliminary findings of the 2014 Regional Wellbeing Survey,
including trends since the 2013 survey,
with the NFF Taskforce.

Among the survey findings, the Plan’s perceived impact on the Basin residents differs depending on whether they are considering the effects on their household,
community, or the Basin as a whole. The survey revealed that of the 34 per cent of the survey respondents with an interest in the Basin area; approximately
55 per cent said the Basin Plan would positively or neutrally affect the health of the environment in the Basin. In comparison, over 45 per cent said
it would negatively impact farmers in the community.

This highlights the need for balance between providing for agricultural production and the environment. It also demonstrates that reforms to water allocation
do have impacts on regional communities. Views about the social, economic and environmental impact vary significantly across different local areas.

Dairy farmer and processor national representative body, the Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) continues to provide input towards the MDBA and DoE’s
monitoring and evaluation of the Basin Plan’s impact. Last year, the ADIC contributed towards the development of the MDBA Evaluation Strategy to ensure
a strong methodology and meaningful evaluation of the intended Basin Plan outcomes.

Dairy farmers have also contributed to case studies carried out in two dairy communities in 2014. Testing the impact of the Basin Plan on farmers, regional
communities and the environment is important to ensure the integrity of the Basin Plan and to inform future reviews and adjustments.

The full Regional Wellbeing Survey will be released in stages throughout 2015. The community wellbeing section is anticipated to be available in May, and the farming section – which
will include data on farm performance, development, barriers and farm exit – is expected to be available in June. The full survey will be available
later in the year.

For more information on monitoring the Basin Plan, click here.

After the recent Hepatitis A health scare through contaminated frozen berry imports, the Federal
Government has strengthened their commitment to bring changes to Country-of-Origin Labelling, or “CoOL”, laws in Australia.

While CoOL has the potential to assist consumers in deciphering the difference between products that are 100 per cent Australian-made and those containing
only some local ingredients, the new laws could have greater ramifications on the Australian dairy industry.

Below are some FAQ’s the ADF Update thought you might be interested in:

Why is CoOL important to get right for dairy?

Milk is the defining component of all dairy products and its conversion into the variety of cheeses, yoghurts, long-life milks, butter and infant formula
in Australia requires a wide range of ingredients. Often these include very low amounts of rennet, starter, cultures, yeasts, vitamins and minerals
to facilitate their functional transformation from milk into a product.

However, several of these ingredients are not produced in Australia either because the raw materials are not available, or they cannot be economically
and sustainably manufactured here. Other ingredients in dairy products are imported because of seasonality or the need for continuity of supply.

If CoOL requires that use of the term “Australian” can only apply to 100 per cent Australian content and 100 per cent Australian production, then the implication
is that only some white milks will be able to carry the Australian made label.

This would mean that most dairy products containing milk produced in Australia, by Australian dairy farmers and converted into Australian dairy products
in Australian factories, employing Australian workers would not be able to claim Australian origin.

What is important for the new CoOL laws?

The Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) is lobbying Government to ensure that Australian dairy products made with Australian milk in Australian factories
can be defined as Australian products under CoOL. The design of any new CoOL laws must provide for provisions such as:

• Processing aids – minor ingredients necessary for processing should not be part of any percentage requirements relating to the significant ingredients.
• Fortification for healthy Australian communities – the addition of vitamins and minerals not made in Australia to milks or infant formulas in order
  to promote health outcomes and meet consumer demand, should not prevent Australian dairy products being labelled as such.
• Flexibility for seasonal/batch alterations – prescriptive percentages will not work when the origin of product ingredients can alter by season or even
  by batch, therefore some flexibility needs to be built into the requirements.
• Trading protection – labelling requirements need to align with international regulations and trade agreements to ensure the Australian dairy industry
  is not disadvantaged against our key competitors.

What can you do to help influence dairy’s agenda in the Government’s push for “stronger” CoOL laws?

Dairy farmers, processors and industry representatives can take part in a consultation process that the Government has commenced. This will provide an
opportunity for us to ensure that dairy’s interests are heard and considered. Click here for information about the Government’s consultation process and to register you interest.

You may also wish to write to your local MP to inform them of the industry’s requirements with CoOL. Click here for a short statement about the areas the dairy industry is seeking for Government consideration on.

On
30 March, Dr Clive Noble formally commenced his role as Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) Acting Chief Executive Officer.

Dr Noble brings a wealth of agricultural science and research knowledge from his 32-year career with the Department of Environment and Primary Industries
(DEPI), Victoria. Spanning his time at DEPI, Dr Noble has held the position of Institute Director (Tatura), Regional Manager (Northern Irrigation Region),
Executive Director of Research and Development, Chief of Science and Technology, and Head of Strategic Partnerships.

Dr Noble has also been an active member of the Dairy Moving Forward Steering Committee between 2008-2013, providing strategic direction and support for the Australian dairy industry’s national research, development
and extension framework.

A key highlight of Dr Noble’s DEPI career included working in Tatura, Victoria for 17 years as a Scientist and Regional Manager, building new relationships
with State Government, industry, universities and individual farmers across the region. His role during this time also involved leading major departmental
responses to flood events and the largest anthrax outbreak ever recorded in Australia, in 1997.

Dr Noble said he is excited to take on the interim role at ADF and looks forward to supporting the positive work and strategic direction of Australian
dairy’s policy and advocacy representation.

“Over my career I have worked with many agricultural industries and communities. I have always been inspired by the attitude and efforts of the dairy industry
and its people.

“I feel privileged to be working with the industry and I look forward to continuing the constructive work ADF is carrying out on behalf of dairy farmers
nationally,” Dr Noble said.

Dr Noble underwent an intensive induction period with former CEO, Natalie Collard prior to her departure. Ms Collard will commence her new role at Telstra
as Corporate Affairs Manager – Victoria and Tasmania this month.

Speaking at the annual Tasmanian Dairy Conference on 26 March in Burnie, ADF President
Noel Campbell discussed the importance of the industry working together – not in silos – to achieve a stronger voice and ultimately, a more sustainable
future.

“The traditional view of leadership, where the buck stops with the person at the top does not work for our industry.

“The extent to which dairy succeeds in getting where it wants to will rely on the strength of this shared leadership,” Mr Campbell said.

The conference, in its eighth year, attracted over 200 dairy farmers, industry service providers, government and dairy organisation representatives to
discuss a range of topics, including industry outlook, future developments, farm investment, and industry sustainability and innovation.

Mr Campbell, a third-generation dairy farmer at his 470-cow dairy farm in West Gippsland, Victoria, said there was a need for farmers to be proactive in
the promotion of dairy past the farm-gate.

“The understanding about the relevance and importance of our industry has been and continues to be heard louder than ever before. And we all have a role
to play in building on this momentum; to promote the value and good practices of our industry.

“You don’t have to be an outstanding public speaker or the most experienced statesman in the room to be a strong, effective leader. What you do need is
vision, persistence and the courage to pursue your cause.

“Everyone in the dairy industry can show leadership to promote the industry… Farmers can invite people onto their farms and show them that, while we’re
not perfect, we’re committed to good practices, and building a stronger, more prosperous industry.

“The more we do this, the more value the broader dairy community will see in supporting us,” Mr Campbell said.

Speaking alongside Mr Campbell at the conference included LEGENDAIRY Ambassador, Michael Klim, Dairy Futures CRC CEO, David Nation and Dairy Australia
Managing Director, Ian Halliday. For more information about the event, download your copy of the conference program here.

In December last year, the Federal Government announced its terms of reference for the inquiry into Australia’s Workplace Relations Framework Review.

The review is being undertaken by the Productivity Commission and invites feedback on how improvements can be made to develop more, “productive, rewarding,
competitive and harmonious workplaces”, as stated by Minister for Employment, Eric Abetz.

The Issues Paper was later released in late January 2015. Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF), along with Dairy Australia, lodged a submission in March, focusing on the need for greater flexibility in the Fair Work Act.

In particular, we are seeking greater flexibility with the award system, which will help the dairy industry take full advantage of growth opportunities.
The removal of the Pastoral Award 2010’s three-hour minimum engagement, which states that staff employed on a farm must be rostered for a minimum of
three hours per shift, was cited as a strong example of the current award system’s rigidity.

At the moment, this clause has a number of negative ramifications on farm business operations as it does not acknowledge the unique workforce requirements
of the dairy industry, where cows need to be milked twice daily. As a result, the clause removes any incentives for staff to milk in a time-efficient
manner and often milkers go home early, where farmers pay for time when no work is performed.

The Productivity Commission is expected to release a draft report in July 2015. For more information about this submission, please contact ADF Policy Officer,
Kelly Im: kim@australiandairyfarmers.com.au.

The inaugural Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) National Dairy Farmers’ Summit,
held a year ago in Melbourne on 13 March 2014, was widely declared a positive step forward for the Australian dairy industry.

Insight provided by the 150 strong industry representatives – the overwhelming majority being dairy farmers from across Australia – continues to drive
a whole-of-value-chain approach toward strategies for innovation, investment and growth.

Officially opened by Federal Minister for Agriculture, Barnaby Joyce, the Summit identified 18 future-focussed priorities.
The consistent message was that the industry’s priorities and actions should focus on delivering long-term sustainable profitability.

The outcomes of the Summit formed the basis of a mid-year Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) Strategic Forum, which saw the formulation of the first
ever Australian Dairy Vision.

One year on from the Summit, Australian dairy has seen keen interest in investment from domestic and international parties, and an enthusiastic response
from the dairying community who continue to get on board to help guide and pursue change.

At the March Summit, a push for developing stronger ties with Australian dairy’s trading partners was also ranked high on the priority agenda. During 2014,
the Federal Government successfully concluded free trade agreements (FTAs) with China and Korea. Those FTAs had been avidly sought by ADIC representatives
who lobbied tirelessly over the terms of the deals with critical technical support from Dairy Australia. The industry will reap benefits for years
to come.

Another direction from the Summit was to ensure immigration laws and the pastoral awards are better matched to industry needs. This supported the ADIC’s
submissions and advocacy to Federal Government, and the reviews of skilled migration and 457 visas.

Similarly, 2014 saw major submissions to the Federal Government’s Competition Review – fighting to keep dairying’s best interests on the agenda by improving competitiveness in the domestic market, as well as to the Government’s Agricultural Competitiveness Green Paper – highlighting the priorities for Government in improving dairy’s competitiveness. The considerable body of work squarely answered one of the Summit’s
recommendations, to “pressure Government to enable agricultural prosperity”.

The Summit has driven industry focus over the last year and will continue to do so as we put the Summit priorities into action. Most importantly, it fostered
a strong sense of unity and a shared vision for Australian dairy’s future.

Mother Nature has thrown many environmental challenges at dairy farmers
in Queensland and New South Wales over the past month. It is estimated that over 30 dairy farms were affected by Cyclone Marcia’s storms and heavy
rain, with many dairy farmers experiencing power failures and limited road access.

One dairy farmer had to milk over 150 cows by hand. It is times like these that I admire our industry coming together to support dairy farmers in times
of hardship. In particular, I commend the efforts of Queensland Dairyfarmers’ Association (QDO), Subtropical Dairy and Dairy Australia, in providing
practical support and counsel to the affected farmers.

In March, Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) marks a year since the National Dairy Farmers’ Summit. The Summit has driven industry focus over the last 12 months
and continues to do so moving forward. One of the initiatives developed from the Summit’s priority-setting agenda is the Sustainable Farm Profitability
Report. The Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) commissioned Dairy Australia to produce this report, which aims to provide dairy farmers with
tactical, strategic management guidance in areas which can improve their safeguards to increase business profit. The report will be made available
online shortly in April.

Carrying on from the ADIC Industry Leaders’ Breakfast in November 2014 – which was centred on the theme ‘Sustainable Farm Profitability and Innovation’
– from next month, dairy farmers will also have the opportunity to increase their profitability with feed efficiency. The new Feed Saved Australian
Breeding Value (ABV) is set to save at least 100 kilograms of dry feed per cow, per year. I praise the efforts of Dairy Futures CRC and the Australian
Dairy Herd Improvement Scheme (ADHIS) for this world-leading genetics breakthrough.

I welcome the new Prescribed Food and Grocery Suppliers Code which came into force at the beginning of March. This Code marks a positive step towards addressing
the imbalance of market power between retailers and suppliers. ADF will continue to closely monitor the Code’s effectiveness over the next three years
and we hope this is the beginning of a fairer, more sustainable, domestic fresh milk supply chain.

Noel Campbell

ADF President

Australian dairy’s herd improvement and genetics is ahead of the game, according to Sarah Saxton.
“Visiting New Zealand (NZ) made me realise just how engaged and passionate Australian dairy farmers are when it comes to breeding cows,” Ms Saxton said.

“We have the freedom of choice when it comes to semen selection in Australia, and although that can make the decision process a little more complex, it
means we have the options open to us to breed the sort of cows we want for our herds.”

Reaffirmed by her recent study tour across the Tasman to the South Island with United Dairyfarmers of Victoria (UDV), Ms Saxton, an Australian Dairy
Herd Improvement Scheme (ADHIS) Extension Officer, also noted the dominance of cross-breeding in NZ in comparison to Australia, as well as NZ’s strong
focus on growing pastures.

Embarking on the week-long tour with five young Victorian dairy farmers, sponsored by the Geoffrey Gardiner Dairy Foundation, Ms Saxton visited a variety
of NZ dairy farms with different ownership structures and farming systems. The Van Leeuwen Dairy Group’s 1500-cow robotic dairy in Timaru was included as one of the farm pit stops.

Ms Saxton, ambassador for the Art4Agriculuture Young Farming Champion program, commended
the NZ dairy industry for its well defined and supported career pathway structure.

“We met with a NZ young farmer group who all had a very clear understanding about how to progress a career in dairy, from milking cows to eventually farm
ownership. This is a real credit to DairyNZ, as it is fostering a young and vibrant future for their industry,” Ms Saxton said.

Ms Saxton was also impressed by the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards, which are awarded annually
to recognise NZ’s passionate farmers of the future.

“These awards not only commend innovative, hard-working dairy farmers in NZ, but also create a opportunity to highlight the progress of up-and-coming dairy
farmers. It would be great to see a similar initiative adopted in Australia,” Ms Saxton said.

When asked what advice she would impart to young Victorian dairy farmers looking to apply for the study tour, Ms Saxton replied: “You really need to think
about what your future might look like in dairy, and how you’re going to benefit, to get the most out of it.”

“It is a fantastic opportunity and a great way to make new contacts. However, you need to be prepared to work hard – it’s not a holiday!” Ms Saxton said.

For more information about UDV’s NZ study tours and application requirements, click here or contact UDV Project and Policy Officer, Yaelle Caspi: ycaspi@vff.org.au

Study Tour participants (L-R): Kerrilyn Bassett, Sarah Saxton, Hayden Hanratty, Gordon Nicholas (UDV Policy Councillor), Aaron Thomas, Jason Bermingham, James Goulding (NCDEA), and Will Ryan.