Monday 1 June, is World Milk Day.

The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations started the day of recognition in 2001, and we’re using the occasion to celebrate the
Aussie farmers who work hard to produce this delicious, nutritious beverage.

For Australian dairy farmers, producing and delivering premium milk is a matter of pride. This is why Australian dairy has a reputation for consistently
high quality and safe products worldwide.

They work hard 7 days a week, 365 days a year to create fresh, great tasting and wholesome fresh milk that Aussies consumed almost 2.5 billion litres of
in 2014 alone.

Each daily on-farm activity involved in producing the milk, whether ensuring the cows are healthy or efficiently cleaning milking equipment, contributes
to the quality assurance of dairy products. From the twice daily health herd checks during milking to stringent testing for milk headed for the processor,
safety is ingrained in what we do.

Our industry is known for being a ‘dairy deli’ in that we place great importance on the quality rather than quantity of supply and this is what sets us
apart. It’s our point of difference to focus on our high quality standards and it’s something our industry must maintain (even with our aspirations
of growth) as we will never compete on quantity or price with our major competitors.

Dairy farmers work rain, hail or shine to produce our milk and want to be known for being prosperous, trusted and world renowned for the nutrition of our
dairy products. Like any Australian, dairy farmers hope to see the effort put into our work reflected in our returns.

Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF), as part of the Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC), is committed to ensuring our dairying sector has a sustainable
future. That’s why we’re working with our farmers, processors and industry partners, including Dairy Australia, to ensure that dairy continues to enhance
livelihoods, improve wellbeing and minimise its environmental footprint well into the future.

This commitment is recognised and promoted through the Dairy Industry’s Sustainability Framework. The second Progress Report has just been released and
shows that while we still have hurdles to overcome, progress is being made. This Framework highlights to the rest of the world that Australian dairy
is acting on its social, economic and environmental responsibility.

To produce, refrigerate, transport, process, distribute and deliver fresh milk requires a considerable amount of daily planning, work, risk and investment
on the part of dairy farmers and processors.

So why be a dairy farmer? Is all the milk worth it? Dairy farmers would say yes ten times over – because they’re passionate about it.

This World Milk Day, we ask that everyone remember that milk is made from hard yakka, pure passion and a commitment to sustainable practices. It is made
by an Aussie dairy farmer.

From
water heating to milk cooling; harvesting to lighting, energy is a big cost on our farms. Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) has been advocating for the
Federal Government’s continued funding towards energy efficiency programs, as well as enduring investment in R,D&E in the Government’s consideration
of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions targets and policy.

Supportive policy could assist farmers in tackling rising energy costs, while also contributing to the dairy industry’s – and Australia’s more broadly
– environmental sustainability. We’re committed to ensuring Aussie dairy’s voice is heard through government policies that support our industry, however there
are also areas we can address together.

As individuals our decisions can seem small in the face of Australia’s global footprint, however when our community joins forces for a common purpose,
we can and do make a tremendous difference. Good business management can lead to greater efficiency and effectiveness, as well as a reduced environmental
impact. Dairy Australia has many practical natural resource management tips that are not only good
for the environment but also for farmers’ bottom line.

On behalf of ADF, I congratulate Dairy Australia for its success in receiving a proportion of the first round of Government grants under the $100 million
Rural Research and Development for Profit Program. The funding will be invested into three-year projects including finding ways to turn agricultural waste into feed, fertilisers and soil conditioners,
and the development of tools to help dairy farmers manage and select the most profitable cows utilising milk scanning technology. These projects will
contribute significantly to assisting Aussie dairy farmers improve their productivity and profitability.

It has been an incredibly tough month in our northern regions with severe flooding in NSW’s Hunter Valley and Queensland. While we may be able to control
our energy consumption, some issues are just beyond our power no matter how far ahead in the season we prepare for them. During times of hardship it’s
very important to remember to ask for help when you need it. While the water may be receding, the hardship may just have begun. There are many local,
state and national support channels available to dairy farmers both during the time of a natural disaster, as well as the months following the aftermath.

Noel Campbell

ADF President

Like many agricultural commodities in Australia, dairy has an acute skilled labour shortage. Although the Australian dairy industry always gives precedence
to employing Australian workers, enabling farmers to access skilled overseas workers is a positive way of addressing the gap when suitable domestic
labour is not available.

The industry continues to assist farmers in gaining better access to overseas labour, through working to streamline the visa application processes for
both farmers and workers. Further work is required by Government in this area to fully address the scope of this issue.

On 30 April 2015, the Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) lodged its submission to the Senate Education and Employment committee’s review into the impact of Australia’s temporary work visa programs on Australia’s labour market and on the temporary work visa holders.

Issues such as the need for improved alignment of the Australian Qualifications Framework and the skill classifications used by the Department of Immigration
and Border Protection, as well as the extension of 417 and 462 visas from six to 12 months, were key recommendations put forward by the ADIC.

In the submission, the ADIC highlighted the industry’s strong commitment to attracting, developing and retaining a highly skilled domestic workforce through
a range of initiatives, including the National Centre for Dairy Education (NCDE), which provides high quality education and training opportunities
for people interested in developing a career in dairy.

The Australian dairy industry wholeheartedly supports fair and equal treatment of foreign workers. Recently, ABC’s investigative journalism programFour Cornersfeatured
the mistreatment of migrant workers from Asia and Europe on a few poultry and horticulture farms in Australia. Such behaviour is not condoned by the
ADIC and runs counter to the industry’s efforts to ensure that dairy farmers are responsible for their employment practices, including fair workplace
relations and migration laws.

The Employment Starter Kit initiative (ESKi), which was developed by Dairy Australia
in conjunction with Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF), is an example of this. The ESKi has been circulated to over 1,500 dairy farmers across Australia,
assisting them in their understanding of Australia’s legal employment requirements, as well as offering information on how to improve working environments
for both employees and employers.

For more information about how the ADIC is working to improve dairy’s acute labour shortage, click here or contact ADF Policy Officer, Kelly Im: kim@australiandairyfarmers.com.au.

Two short videos are online to explain changes to Australian Breeding
Values (ABVs) and indices.

The bull choices farmers make for every joining have a long term impact on the profitability of their herd. Farmers now have access to a broader range
of communication forms, including animations, e-news and social media components in addition to the traditional media and web services.

Australian Dairy Herd Improvement Scheme (ADHIS) Extension and Education Manager, Michelle Axford said that ADHIS is committed to providing new and exciting
content delivered across the most popular platforms.

“The science behind ABVs is complex, but how we use them to make good decisions doesn’t have to be.

“Providing practical breeding information across a range of devices will help farmers when choosing bulls,” Mrs Axford said.

Sign up to Genemail, the ADHIS e-news

Follow us on Twitter @ADHIS_Dairy

For more information or to arrange a presentation to your organisation, please contact ADHIS Extension and Education Manager, Michelle Axford on 0427 573
330 or maxford@adhis.com.au

In advance of the United National Framework Convention on Climate Change, to be held in
Paris between 30 November and 11 December 2015, Australian dairy has made its voice heard in Australia’s contribution to the new global climate agreement
which will set the emissions reduction target beyond 2020.

Through an Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) submission made to Government in April, we are advocating for emissions reduction policies which will support the industry – not hinder it. In particular, we
are seeking policies that are:

• Aligned with our major international competitors;
• Recognised as an emissions intensity approach that allows dairy to continue to grow while reducing its carbon footprint; and
• Underpinned by Government policy and actions to promote and support the dairy industry’s contribution towards greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals.

Our submission advocated for two key areas of Government support: investment in research, development and extension for on-farm emissions reduction; and
support for energy productivity and efficiency. These policy settings are essential to ensuring Australian dairy remains competitive in the international
market, our emissions intensity is reduced and we are well aligned for growth.

The ADIC attended a roundtable meeting with the Minister in early May and will continue to seek Government support through Australia’s international commitment
to help drive innovation and reduce emissions, while also increasing productivity and profitability.

To read the ADIC’s submission on Australia’s Post-2020 Emissions Target Reduction, click here.

On
26 April, the Australian dairy industry sadly lost leading software innovator and visionary, Dr Mike Larcombe to a lengthy battle with motor neurone
disease.

Dr Larcombe founded MISTRO software, which is responsible for processing 95 per cent of herd testing information in
Australia and is recognised as one of the most flexible and cost-effective herd recording programs in the world today.

His work continued with the development of a genomic database system for the Australian Dairy Herd Improvement Scheme (ADHIS) for storing and analysing DNA profiles of animals for artificial breeding.

As a long-standing member of ADHIS’ Record Standards Committee, ADHIS General Manager, Daniel Abernerthy described Dr Larcombe as one of Australia’s leaders
in data, data transfer and herd improvement systems.

“Mike was a truly gifted man, with the ability to transfer his skills across many areas.

“Aside from playing an integral role in the design and redevelopment of our genomic evaluations systems and computer models, Mike also was a major contributor
to Dairy Australia’s InCalf and mastitis reporting tools,” Mr Abernerthy said.

Dairy Australia Program Manager – Genetics & Data Management – Farm Profit and Innovation, Matt Shaffer, said Dr Larcombe’s impact on the industry
had been phenomenal.

“Mike showed an amazing commitment to farmer outcomes through his work developing MISTRO as a key farm management tool for farmers and herd test centres,
as well as the UDDER program which is still being used by more than 60 consultants in Australia and New Zealand,” Mr Shaffer said.

In 2011 Dr Larcombe was awarded the prestigious National Herd Improvement Association of Australia Meritorious Service
Award, recognising the significance of his achievements and his standing among peers.

Having social licence to operate requires Australian dairy to be proactive, honest and willing to change practices. Likened to building up a bank of goodwill
and trust that can be drawn on from consumers, customers and the community when issues arise, social licence is what we continue to maintain and grow
as an industry.

At the United Dairyfarmers of Victoria’s (UDV) Annual Conference held in Melbourne on 29 April, social licence was placed at the top of the agenda and a range of issues were discussed and debated, including animal
welfare.

Victorian Farmers’ Federation (VFF) Egg Group President and established national egg wholesaler, Brian Ahmed spoke to the conference of 100 delegates about
his personal dealings with animal activism.

Mr Ahmed also spoke about the growing disconnect between rural and metropolitan communities being a reason for “big business” animal activism today, and
the importance of agricultural commodities uniting together to communicate our animal husbandry and production practices directly with the community.

“These days it is very easy for city-dwellers to assume they know everything about farming through Google…the only way we’re going to get our message
out there is by doing it ourselves.

“We need to start campaigning now by focussing on doing the ‘right thing’ and ‘proving it’ in order to change the perceptions of the community five to
10 years down the track,” Mr Ahmed said.

The Australian Livestock Exporters’ Council (ALEC) CEO, Alison Penfold also shared her industry’s
experiences with animal activism following the fallout from the ABC Four Corners feature story, “Another Bloody Business”
in 2011. Depicting disturbing animal cruelty footage captured in Indonesian abattoirs, the feature ignited public outrage and prompted the Federal
Government to place a ban on live exports to Indonesia.

Ms Penfold explained when ALEC failed to face many of the industry’s emerging issues at the time, they fell short of the Australian community’s expectations
and left them with the view the live export industry was uncaring towards the animals in its charge. However, since then ALEC has been working hard
to earn back the community’s trust.

“The biggest challenge is taking the community along with us. Transparency can be scary at times, but it is also imperative if we are to be honest with
ourselves and those around us.

“It’s so important we openly acknowledge where we are now and where we would like to be. By simply telling the positive stories, you can be accused of
‘spin doctoring’,” Ms Penfold explained.

Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) President, Noel Campbell who also presented at the conference, spoke about phasing out calving induction as an example of
how the Australian dairy industry is proactively working to meet community expectations.

“As a farming community, we understand calving induction has played an important role in breeding management on our dairy farms, and that this enables
us to perform more efficiently. Yet it is no secret that many consumers find induction and its consequences to be unnecessary.

“The phase out of calving induction is high on ADF’s agenda and we are committed to working with farmers to help make this transition,” Mr Campbell said.

Other aspects of social licence discussed included use of genetically modified crops and mining of coal-seam gas on productive farms, which Australian Dairy Products Federation (ADPF) Executive Director, Dr Peter Stahle provided the dairy processors’ perspective on.

L-R: SADA President, David Basham, VFF Egg Group President, Brian Ahmed and UDV President, Adam Jenkins enjoying breakfast at the UDV Annual Conference.

ADF President, Noel Campbell: Working to support dairy farmers in actively phasing out calving induction .

ALEC CEO, Alison Penfold: Sharing the livestock industry’s experience with animal activism.

Since heavy rains and wild winds hit Northern New South Wales (NSW) on 21 April, flooding has significantly affected the Hunter Valley dairying region.
Now a week on from the first rain fall, recovery assistance is the primary focus.

Council assessments have commenced with the bridge that connects Torryburn Road in East Gresford having been swept away entirely, and railway lines at
Tocal severed recovery assistance is now the primary focus.

Fencing is also an immediate concern, with the high water speed having destroyed many farm fences, as well as loss of pasture and newly sown crops. There
have been no reports of dairy stock loss to date.

Please see below for information on seeking flood recovery assistance:

If my property has been affected, what should I be doing?

• Try to focus on your priorities by writing a quick checklist of all the jobs that come to mind, including group tasks – classifying them by what needs
  to be done today, this week and later in the month. Download your Dairy Australia ‘recovery priority list’ here.
• Take photos of the damage on your property to build up an inventory of losses (i.e. pumps, fencing, feed, etc).
• Report any damage to the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) via the Disaster Welfare Assistance Line (1800 018 444) or NSW Farmers’ Charlie Cull
  on (02) 9478 1066. Accurate and timely information will help the DPI secure the best possible level of disaster assistance.
• Keep all your receipts associated with recovery efforts.
• Remember to ask for help.

What other support is there to assist me?

• Find out about the options for milking without electricity supply here.
• Find out how to manage the health and welfare of cows during floods here.
• For information on available personal assistance, call the Disaster Welfare Assistance Line (1800 018 444) or click here.
• For general information on assistance that is available for natural disaster declarations, click here.
• See the NSW Farmers’ fact sheet here for further information.

*Dairy Australia together with NSW Farmers continues to coordinate the industry response.

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