Over the last few days, New Zealand based Fonterra lifted its forecast milk
payout for the second time. On Wednesday the estimated Farmgate price was boosted by a further 50 NZ cents to $NZ5.25, while the company maintained
its dividend payout to farmers resulting in a total amount of $NZ5.75 to $NZ5.85 per kilogram.

Australian companies are between 10 – 20 per cent below New Zealand’s latest forecast.

While Fonterra’s announcement follows the increased global dairy prices at the Global Dairy Trade auctions, Australian farmers are still waiting for theirs.
Although there are any number of reasons why we are behind New Zealand, it still makes for an interesting conundrum when Australia has a bigger domestic
market and yet our prices remain unadventurously low.

This really highlights how volatile the world milk price is and why we need regular, clear and realistic market signals in Australia.

By establishing a commodity milk price index tool there will be greater transparency to allow farmers to make their own assessments on milk price forecasts.
Farmers will be able to better balance risk along the dairy supply chain, especially when it comes to managing the effects of world milk prices.

New Zealand already has a milk price index and it works quite well, as they have over 90 per cent exports, and can set themselves against the world market.

In Australia we have a 65 per cent domestic market and a different export commodity mix which should deliver a higher price for Australian farmers than
the New Zealand price in a low commodity market as we are in now. Therefore, Australia needs to have an independent commodity index rather than use
New Zealand’s due to our different export commodity mix.

ADF has had extensive discussions with government on the proposed index and we are looking forward to help shaping this important tool. It’s vital we get
this right so all farmers have the ability to use the global information to assist them when they negotiate supply contracts with processors.

The index needs to be independent and transparent with easily accessible data that isn’t hard or complicated to use. It needs to be updated daily to capture
the latest market intelligence from around the world and should translate commodity market and currency trends back to Farmgate prices across Australia.
The index should also deliver a forward-looking price indicator to capture restored certainty and decision-making resulting in improved farmer confidence,
better on-farm investment decisions, and ultimately higher farm profitability.

We have no doubt that our processors will increase their milk price forecast which is why we support the index and want to ensure it is a true indicator
of commodity prices and meets the requirements of the Australian dairy industry as a whole.

The index will also give farmers the tool to better understand the impacts of world market trends and to be better armed with questions of the company
they supply.

David Basham

Acting ADF President

Senator Lambie announced she would seek a Senate Inquiry into the Dairy Industry. The ADF was quite concerned about the range of issues the Senator
wished to have addressed and worked with a range of people to achieve a more constructive terms of reference.

While we are not pleased with all the issues to be considered, we believe it is better than it would otherwise have been.

This inquiry will be in addition to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) inquiry into the national dairy industry which is due
to start in November.

This inquiry presents an opportunity to examine the issues affecting the competitiveness and future viability of dairy farming in Australia with farmers
bearing nearly all the risk in the dairy supply chain in the domestic market.

Some of the issues that will undoubtedly be covered include the impact of supermarket price decisions namely the $1 milk on dairy farmers, and the
ongoing physical and mental well being of farmers.

In addition to these, the senate inquiry will likely focus on providing greater transparency in contracts with processors by offering a clear, consistent
formula for milk pricing; and include unambiguous conditions, which is something ADF has advocated strongly towards. Many farmers who have experienced
unfair milk contracts or agreements may have been burdened with debts when the milk price falls.

ADF hopes to be able to achieve implementation of fairer contract clauses through negotiations with processors and be able to provide the Inquiry and
Government with industry developed and shared solutions rather than have Government intervene to impose further regulatory burden that neither
farmers or processors want.

These points illustrate the need by industry to ease the pressure placed on farmers by having to accept an unfair share of the risk and possible financial
fall-out. We believe in greater transparency and look forward to fairer contracts and exploring ways to shed risk by engaging in future markets.

ADF and our state members are united around a clear objective: to ensure every Australian dairyfarmer has the capability, tools and support to fully
understand their individual business position, and to make decisions about their future based on sound evidence and are not be always left to take
all the risks in the market place chain.

To prepare, we believe that all farmers must have earlier and clearer pricing signals, with a more equitable pricing system that better balances risk
along the supply chain of farmers, processors and retailers. Without this, farmers and allied businesses will remain vulnerable.

If we are able to work on minimising potential risk for the future, then we welcome the opportunity to stand up for rural and regional communities
that are doing it tough to make sure that we are able to establish a long term solution that benefits all dairy farmers.

We look forward to working with industry, government and the Economics Reference Committee to advocate on behalf of the dairy farmers to ensure transparency
and equal opportunity, which will provide a fairer way to uncover inequities in the dairy industry.

The report of the senate inquiry is expected to be announced on February 24, 2017.

David Basham

Acting ADF President

Recent data on global dairy prices shows a positive rise that looks as if it
might continue.

The average price in the Global Dairy Trade auction overnight rose by 7.7 per cent. This followed two consecutive rises in the past month, with a 12.7
percent increase in prices at the most recent auction, while the important whole milk powder (WMP) price rose by 3.7 per cent.

These results have driven the index to an 18 month high.

Analysts are predicting further rises in the global milk price which suggests that the worst might be behind us and we may start to see some stability
return to the global milk supply. This will hopefully occur through rebalancing of supply and demand due to cut backs in EU production, intervention
buying of SMP (skim milk powder) in Europe and increased buying in China.

Although these increases are nowhere near enough to return to sustainable prices it is pleasing to see that prices are on the rise and things may be looking
better in the long term.

Unfortunately, the most optimistic scenarios see the market turning in any meaningful way in the first quarter of 2017.

As dairy farmers we have a limited capacity to manage the market price so it is important to always focus on what we can manage, remain aware of industry
risks and maintain a low cost production system so we are in a better position to weather any storms.

While we are an industry that has been under intense pressure, we are also an industry that has the know-how and resilience to overcome adversity and thrive
in the long term.

ADF, together with our state members, is continuing to fight for farmers. Even though we won’t be able to solve all of the issues farmers are facing, we
are working to relieve some of the pressures to create change to ensure that an unfair share of the risk in the value chain is not taken by the farmer
and that recent events in the industry don’t happen again.

Collaboration is the key to get us where we need to be. Our industry relies on all the elements to operate effectively. Farmers need processors and vice
versa – so the solutions require all of us to come together to ensure a positive future.

While we wait for the uptick in prices we must remember that we are a resilient industry with a long, sustainable future ahead and our profitability depends
greatly on the continued support of the Australian public.

It is important to remind the community that dairy farmers – regardless of the challenges they face are good business people, who care for their cows,
work to enhance the well-being of their people and that every efficiency we make on farm has ties to minimising our impact of the environment.

To view the global dairy price index [click here]

David Basham

Acting ADF President

The symposium was a great opportunity to facilitate a discussion around how better
to manage risk along the dairy supply chain, including managing the effects of world dairy prices.

A number of topics were covered including the outlook for the Australian dairy industry and options for improving milk price transparency, strengthening
bargaining and restoring industry confidence.

One important outcome of the symposium was the announcement by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Barnaby Joyce regarding
the upcoming Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) inquiry into the national dairy industry.

The inquiry under Part VIIA of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010, has provided the Commission with additional powers to obtain information from the
entire value chain. What this means is the ACCC has been given extra investigatory control to undertake the inquiry, with the authority to dig deeper
than it would have been able to in a market study.

Already investigating specific issues related to the dairy crisis, the ACCC will have the power to determine whether suppliers engaged in misleading, deceptive
or unconscionable conduct by slashing prices leaving some dairy farmers with massive debts.

The inquiry will investigate sharing risk along the supply chain, supply agreements and contracts, competition, bargaining and trading practices in the
industry and the effect of world retail prices on profitability.

Dairy farmers deserve fair returns at the farm gate, as well as transparency in milk price arrangements and supply contracts. ADF believes that the ACCC
inquiry is a thorough and fair way to uncover inefficiencies and inequities that farmers face; and helps to identify a way forward.

From what we have been told the ACCC will release an issues paper and engage with stakeholders through public and private hearings starting in November.
We encourage everyone in the dairy industry to contribute to the inquiry to ensure the ACCC gets the information it needs. There will also be confidentiality
arrangements in place to protect commercial interests.

After the stakeholder engagement meetings, we will be encouraged to provide written submissions to the ACCC before they deliver a final report to government
in the second half of 2017.

This inquiry will shed some light on the bigger picture by analysing the broader dairy industry to identify structural and behavioural issues that affect
the industry’s performance. By engaging with stakeholders, the ACCC will have a better chance of identifying and understanding the key issues in the
industry and we look forward to being a part of the solution.

Further information about the inquiry, including about how you can be involved, will be made available following the receipt of a Terms of Reference from
the Treasurer.

The government will continue to work with dairy farmers and processors to strengthen the industry, including our election commitment of up to $2 million
to establish a commodity milk price index, while the ACCC’s findings from this inquiry will be a vital source of information when looking at options
for the index.

Further information on the ACCC’s inquiry, including its terms of reference, will be made available at www.accc.gov.au/agriculture shortly.

David Basham

Acting ADF President

The symposium was held yesterday in Melbourne and both the Australian Dairy
Farmers CEO John McQueen and myself attended.

Firstly, I would like to thank the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Barnaby Joyce for organising and chairing the
symposium as well as other government officials who were in attendance.

I would also like to thank our state members – QDO, NSWFarmers, SADA, TFGA, UDV, WAFarmers and industry partners for their work prior to the symposium
which gave us the opportunity to narrow our message down to focus on four important key areas.

Lastly I would like to thank the processors and retailers who were at the symposium to hear from concerned farmers, owners of small businesses and people
who produce a quality product that many people in Australia rely on.

For me, the symposium provided an opportunity for the dairy industry to have an open discussion with key stakeholders to address the challenges facing
the Australian dairy industry.

Our main points include no $1 milk, no late season drop in milk price, fairer contracts, commodity milk price index with an educational program and critical
need for farmers and manufacturers to find the solutions rather than depend on government.

These points illustrate the need by industry to ease the pressure placed on farmers by having to accept an unfair share of the risk and possible financial
fall-out. We believe in greater transparency and look forward to working with the government on establishing the commodity price index tool which will
help tip the balance back to the farmer.

Since 2011, we have said that the $1 milk devalues the product by taking substantial value out of the supply chain and has to stop if we are going to maintain
a sustainable industry. There needs to be greater fairness in contracts and we have committed to working with processors to ensure all contracts comply
with the unfair Contracts Legislation that begins on November 12, 2016. Also, the situation in Western Australia needs to be addressed immediately
as we don’t believe it’s right that nine farmers may not have anywhere to take their milk.

In response, Minister Joyce urges the need for industry to work together to better balance risk along the dairy supply chain, especially when it comes
to managing the effects of lower world prices. He wants to see improved Farmgate returns for dairy farmers, an openness in milk price arrangements
and fair and transparent milk supply contracts; plus, the development of a commodity milk price index which he committed up to $2 million in government
funding to establish. Also, for industry to find a compromise to the $1 milk situation otherwise he will need to take action and push for an immediate
solution.

However, he also acknowledged that these things will only happen if there is buy-in from industry and a willingness from key stakeholders to hear each
other out and develop solutions together.

A surprise announcement made by Minister Joyce at the conclusion of the symposium advised that Treasurer Scott Morrison has request the ACCC to undertake
an inquiry under Part VIIA of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 providing the Commission with powers to obtain information from the entire value
chain. What this means is the ACCC has been given extra investigatory powers to undertake the inquiry, with the authority to dig deeper than it would
have been able to in a market study. The inquiry, which will begin in November, will investigate sharing risk along the supply chain, supply agreements
and contracts, competition, bargaining and trading practices in the industry and the effect of world retail prices on profitability.

Yesterday’s dairy symposium delivered on Minister Joyce’s election promise to get key stakeholders together to address challenges facing the Australian
dairy industry and discuss ways to improve the industry’s prospects going forward.

One of the ways the Coalition Government is delivering assistance to dairy farmers is with a $579 million support package to help manage through the current
low price environment. The funding been allocated to four main areas including access to Dairy Recovery Concessional Loans, Farm Household Allowance
(FHA), the Rural Financial Counselling Service and an additional $900,000 for Dairy Australia to roll out ‘Tactics for Tight Times’ one-to-one farm
business advice.

If you have any questions relating to whether you are eligible for the concessional loans, the government has released a dairy question and answer section
on their website (click here).
However, we suggest that you also contact a financial counsellor or the relevant state delivery agency as they will be able to help you with information
and the application process.

David Basham

Acting ADF President

The Four Corners ‘Milked Dry’ program aired Monday 15^th and highlighted the financial toll that cheap dairy products and fluctuations in both the domestic and global markets have taken on dairy farmers.
This state of crisis has also shown just how far consumers will rally to help our struggling industry, but it will only solve half the problem.

What we really need now is to go beyond short term measures to create stability for our industry’s long term future. The need for transparency and improved fairness by finding new ways to manage price volatility for farmers; and through simplifying supply contracts so farmers know exactly what it means and how it will affect them.

The first in a series of formal talks with the dairy industry, the Prime Minister Malcom Turnball, Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce and representatives
of Murray Goulburn met to discuss ways to increase the profitability of the Australian dairy industry in order to support farming families and their
communities. An important thing to take away from this meeting is the fact that the Australian Government and Murray Goulburn both agreed that Australia’s
dairy farmers deserve fair returns at the farm gate, as well as transparency in milk price arrangements and supply contracts. Another important outcome
was the role Murray Goulburn will play in explaining to their suppliers what steps they will take to support farmers and restore confidence to the
dairy sector.

We expect a similar message and outcome of next week’s meeting between Fonterra’s Australian management and the Government who will continue to discuss
the state of the dairy industry and how the current issues could be avoided in the future.

The last in the series of talks is the dairy symposium to be held in Melbourne on August 25, chaired by Minister Joyce with representatives from the farming,
processing and retail sectors. We will be asking the government to formally review a number of high priority issues including $1 milk, fair contract
terms and conditions, and a world dairy commodity pricing index.

At ADF, we are working closely with state members and dairy farmer representatives to make sure the government continues to strengthen the industry through
consultation with both Australia’s dairy farmers and processors. We are committed to provide innovative and practical solutions to help farmers achieve
a sustainable level of profitability and ensure that our farmers’ best interests are reflected in the work we do so they can take control of their
situation and make informed choices.

One of the ways the government is helping dairy farmers is by providing assistance through a $579 million support package. This package includes access
to Dairy Recovery Concessional Loans, Farm Household Allowance (FHA), the Rural Financial Counselling Service and an additional $900,000 for Dairy
Australia to roll out ‘Tactics for Tight Times’ one-to-one farm business advice.

The government support package is there to help us through this difficult time. It is very important that dairy farmers, including farm owners, share-farmers
or leasers not self-assess their eligibility for government assistance. If you have any questions relating to whether you are eligible for the concessional
loans, please contact a financial counsellor or the relevant state delivery agency as they will be able to help you with information and the application
process.

David Basham

Acting ADF President  

Most of you are aware the Four Corners ‘Milked Dry’ segment will go to air tonight,
Monday 15^th August, which is a follow-on from the dairy price cuts that happened a few months ago.

As a Dairy farmer, we know the industry is not immune to the volatility of milk prices and as history has shown the prices will probably continue to fluctuate
well into the future.

What the majority of the public don’t see is how resilient we are. Not just as farmers, but as business people, as entrepreneurs and experts in sustainability,
with the skills to adapt our businesses within this challenging environment as best we can.

Behind the scenes, the Dairy industry are working together to provide farmers with the support they need during this challenging time. As an industry,
we are united in going beyond short term measures to create stability for our industry’s long term future.

An important aspect of this is the need for transparency and improved fairness by finding new ways to manage price volatility for farmers. We are working
to address these issues through simplifying supply contracts and improving transparency in the milk pricing system.

The ADF is pleased that the Hon Barnaby Joyce MP is proceeding to hold a Symposium with farmers, manufactures and retailers. The ADF will provide strong
dairy farmer representation regarding the major issues we face including $ milk, fair contract terms and conditions, and a world dairy commodity pricing
index which are just a few of the high priority issues.

There are unfortunately no silver bullets to restore our industry, but there are resources available to help farmers navigate the current challenges and
manage the impact of recent announcements. This includes the Tactics for Tight Times program, which helps provide clarity to farmers about settings
and seasonal conditions, supports key decision making on farms, and put farmers directly in touch with other services such as health and wellbeing
organisations. It’s important to make the time to take up these opportunities.

While being put in the spotlight can sometimes feel overwhelming, the media is a great vehicle to share our message with the public to let them know what
is happening and ways they can help. It is also a chance for state organisations and dairy farmers to let consumers know that they can show their appreciation
and support by buying Australian milk and dairy products.

David Basham

Acting ADF President

The ADF has heard from Minister Joyce that he will be convening a symposium on
dairy issues as part of the Coalitions election commitments. The ADF will be working hard with state organisation members over the next few weeks
to prepare for the Symposium.

We expect it will provide an opportunity to discuss the major issues facing the industry including $ milk, fair contract terms and conditions, a world
dairy commodity pricing index, issues in WA where some farmers have been given notice of not being picked up and backpacker tax, to name a few of the
high priority issues.

While we have welcomed the Governments support package we continue to urge changes to the criteria for access to most elements of the Governments support
package, particularly the concessional loans package.

The plan announced in the lead up to the 2016 election, included $555 million in concessional loans with 10-year loan terms, $20 million for an upgrade
to Gippsland irrigation infrastructure, $2 million to establish a commodity milk price index and $1.8 million to provide business and financial counselling.

I urge all farmers to not self-assess whether they are eligible for the concessional loans support package. We know many have had difficulty with access
and we have been able to use some of these experiences in our ongoing discussions with the Department for changes to the eligibility criteria.

The Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister will be meeting with the Murray Goulburn Board to discuss the global and domestic challenges facing Australian
dairy farmers. It will be interesting to hear the outcome of this meeting. Mr. Joyce will then convene the dairy farmer symposium with the Department
of Agriculture and Water Resources

The ongoing support and commitment of government is essential for us to successfully navigate through these trying times so we are able to provide innovative
and practical solutions to help farmers achieve a sustainable level of profitability. We need to ensure that the solutions we present are in our farmers’
best interests, so they can take control of their situation and make informed choices.

ADF thanks Barnaby Joyce for maintaining this election promise and his continued commitment to seeking solutions to the current dairy situation.

David Basham

Acting ADF President

2016 is proving to be a year of contradictions for Australian dairy farmers.

As I spent a few days in Western Australia this week, I was reminded of the significant challenges we are facing right across the country and the remarkable
resilience dairy farmers are showing in times of hardship.

Western Australian dairy farmers have mostly been buffered from export oriented market volatility and have experienced a good season, yet they are not
immune from other difficulties. Bushfires impacted the region and a growing oversupply in the domestic milk market led to processors telling farmers
they’re no longer required. With limited options of processors that suppliers can shift to, these dairy farmers face an uncertain future.

ADF has been working with WA Farmers, processors and government, to help find a solution for these farmers as we know there are strong opportunities for
the WA dairy industry.

Reflecting sentiments right across the country, it was heartening to see the amount of support for the industry at the WA Farmers Conference on Thursday.
Even when we are under pressure, we are an industry that has the know-how and motivation to overcome these adversities and thrive in the long term.

No one is alone in these scenarios and we need to ensure that all farmers feel supported during tough times.

Over the past few years there have been examples in all states where decisions of some processors have severely affected farmers and reinforced the vulnerability
of dairy farmers’ market position. It is unsustainable and unacceptable to expect that farmers continue to bear the full weight of financial risk in
the supply chain.

We are working, and will continue to work, with all states to find a better way to balance this risk and improve transparency for the long-term, sustainable
profit and ultimately, survival of the whole industry.

David Basham

Acting ADF President

After ten days of vote counting, this week Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) congratulates
the Coalition Government on its re-election.

As an industry, dairy has enjoyed a constructive relationship with the Coalition throughout its previous term, and we look forward to continuing that spirit
of this engagement.

With the election behind us, promises made can now be translated into concrete action.

Although the ministry will not be sworn in until next week, ADF has already met with the Department of Agriculture’s advisors to progress the roll out
of key support measures announced in the Dairy Support Package. In particular we continue to highlight the urgency in providing immediate access for
all affected farmers to Concessional Loans and the Farm Household Allowance support.

Importantly, concerns raised by farmers who have been working to access these measures, including by share farmers, are being taken seriously and will
continue to be progressed with the government.

We will continue to work with the Coalition and the opposition to address other key priorities for the dairy industry also, including implementing an effects
test to better balance market power throughout the supply chain, invest in rural research and development to build resilience, ensure secure access
to sustainable water resources and support a national strategy to address technical barriers to trade.

Over the coming weeks, the ADF policy advisory groups will continue to meet in Melbourne to cement our priorities for the new government. Building industry
resilience, as well as addressing the lack of transparency throughout the supply chain are on our agenda.

July has begun the same way June came to an end – with wild weather and floods challenging many dairying regions and low milk prices meaning revised budgets
and planning across all farms.

As we work together to weather these storms we must remember that we are a resilient industry with a long, sustainable future ahead. Our profitability
and therefore resilience as an industry depends greatly on the support of the Australian public.

We must continue to remind the community that dairy farmers – regardless of the challenges they face are good business people, who care for their cows,
work to enhance the wellbeing of their people and that every efficiency we make on farm has ties to minimising our impact of the environment.

David Basham

Acting ADF President

With the official announcement of last weekend’s election yet to be made, the
dairy sector (like the rest of the nation) is watching very closely and working to ensure that all political parties understand our priorities. Whatever
the outcome, it is essential that stability reigns – effective policy formation and clear action to overcome challenges will be otherwise impossible.

Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) has made clear its priorities for the next government – extend and streamline access to the concessional loans and Farm
Household Assistance for all affected farmers, create a safer, more resilient workforce, ensure secure sustainable access to water resources and above
all, address the imbalance of market power within the dairy supply chain.

It’s good to see that all parties have recognised the importance of supporting our farmers through the current challenge, as well as committing to developing
innovative solutions to building long term sustainability of our industry.

However, it is concerning to see some are still calling for a fresh milk levy – an unworkable solution. If a fresh milk levy was imposed, it would potentially
result in farmers who supply domestic markets subsidising their export market oriented counterparts. This is not a workable solution.

There are also potential difficulties associated with such a levy breaching Australian Competition and Consumer Commission regulations as well as potential
issues with the World Trade Organisation.

The fundamental issue our farmers continue to face is that they wear the bulk of financial risk in the dairy supply chain. We need a practical and viable
solution to increase transparency in the way the milk pricing system works and to simplify milk contracts to ensure the volatility of the market is
better balanced along the supply chain.

This week UDV and ADF met with farmers in South West Victoria – to hear concerns, answer questions and build feedback about the current supply chain into
our policy work. This is one of many meetings ADF will continue to participate in throughout the year, to ensure we are effectively representing farmers’
interests.

The discussion was robust. Overall, the consensus in the room was that trust has been broken and we need to find a way forward.

The challenges faced by farmers in Western Australia due to processor decisions reinforce the sector as a whole is enduring tough times – no state is immune.

Collaboration is what will get us to where we need to be. Our industry relies on all the elements to operate effectively. Farmers need processors and vice
versa – so the solutions will require input from all parties.

Beyond this the public and the government ignore us if we do not operate as one. If we have a hung parliament, dairy will need parliamentary champions to advocate our policy priorities and the industry must work together to feed them that case.

David Basham

Acting ADF President

Opening milk price announcements made this week by Murray Goulburn and Fonterra have
once again, reinforced the need for improved transparency in the way milk pricing is structured and communicated in Australia.

Not only are the announcements much too late for farmers to properly budget and plan around, but many questions have to be asked to understand them. Add
to the already complex system a loan repayment and the forecast opening price is far from what it first appears.

Both Murray Goulburn and Fonterra’s recent announcements are confusing and difficult to understand – they lack clarity and transparency.

Improving the transparency of the milk pricing system is important, and Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) continues to work with our state members to this
end. It is essential that processors come to the table and discuss this as a collective, to help protect the future of our sector.

No one can dispute that the current market situation for dairy farmers, whether you are a supplier to the export or domestic market, is rough. Even the
best placed businesses will be making difficult decisions.

While we cannot change the milk price, ADF is working hard with our state members to improve the transparency in the milk pricing system and simplify milk
contracts. We are also fighting for farmers to better manage the risk throughout the supply chain so that they do not always bear the financial risk.

This weekend Australia takes to the polls and by next week the successful party will be moving into Parliament. ADF and our state members will be back
in Canberra as soon as the elected party is announced to keep the pressure on.

As an industry dairy has supported its own and will continue to do so. We’ve never asked for a bail out but rather for targeted assistance that will help
get our industry over the current hurdle and better balance risk throughout the supply chain going forward. We need structural change that improves
fairness and brings more balance into the market – competition law can be improved more.

ADF acknowledges the Dairy Recovery Concessional Loans are now available in SA, TAS and Victoria. We welcome this support, and will continue to advocate
that all affected dairy workers are eligible for this assistance.

I encourage all farmers to keep talking to ADF, your state representatives and RDPs. It’s tough for everyone out there right now, and the season ahead
will be challenging. This will go beyond the farm gate, with our service providers and communities likely to feel the pinch too – keep this in mind
and let’s all look out for one another.

David Basham 

Acting ADF President