The announcement today of the outcome of arbitration between Lion Dairy and Drinks and Dairy Farmers Milk Co-operative (DFMC) once again highlights that Coles pricing of fresh milk at $1 per litre is unsustainable.

“Dairy farmers across most parts of Australia supplying Lion through DFMC will be receiving lower prices following the announcement of the outcome of the arbitration,” said Australian Dairy Farmer’s (ADF) President Chris Griffin.

Increased sales of home brand milk, which have little or no margin for processors, have impacted on the value chain across Australia.

“Coles must understand that the price on their shelves is linked to what farmers ultimately get paid,” said Mr Griffin.

“It is time Coles and Woolworths raised prices to a sustainable level and stopped their marketing tactic.”

“Consumers can help dairy farmers and their families by buying branded milk, which provides a fairer return,” said Mr Griffin.

This latest evidence of the unsustainable pricing of home brand fresh milk products highlights the need for a Supermarket Ombudsman to balance the market power of the major retailers.

The Supermarket Ombudsman needs to have the power to investigate the supermarkets and use both ‘name and shame’ powers and financial penalties to ensure they treat suppliers and farmers fairly.

ADF is meeting with politician’s from all sides of politics to push the Supermarket Ombudsman and changes to the Competition and Consumer Act to provide some balance and fairness in the system.

“It is important there is transparency through the value chain and in contracts with farmers,” Mr Griffin said.

Media Contact:

Chris Griffin, President

M: 0402 846 239

State farmer groups today backed the restructure of Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF), voting in a new constitution for the national organisation.

The ‘yes’ vote opens the way for a slimmed-down ADF board to focus on strategy and a new National Council to provide policy recommendations. Individual farmers can now be members of ADF for the first time.

“It is a very exciting development for dairy farmer representation in Australia,” said ADF President Chris Griffin. “A more financially efficient and better structured ADF will deliver improved value to farmers and state organisations.”

Mr Griffin said changes in the dairy industry have impacted on the financial viability of ADF. Over the past 30 years milk production has doubled but the number of dairy farmers has dropped by two-thirds. This has hit the membership levels and income of State Dairy Farmer Organisations and ADF. ADF is now operating in deficit and without significant change could not continue to function or deliver quality policy and advocacy services for dairy farmers.

The Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) Board met today to examine a concern over potential prejudicial conduct of ADF member, South Australian Dairyfarmers Association (SADA).

Directors and Constituent Members examined information that was circulated to all Board members in early July and deliberated whether SADA’s conduct caused injury, harm or loss to ADF.

Since the concern was raised in May 2012, SADA has been given every opportunity to respond to the concerns in person or in writing and declined to attend today’s meeting.

After careful consideration, the ADF Board resolved by an absolute majority that SADA did engage in conduct prejudicial to ADF and that they be removed immediately as a member.

It is ADF’s role to provide strong leadership and collective representation for all dairy farmers and so will continue to consult with all state dairy organisations for feedback and input and this will be reflected in our program of work. ADF will continue to work for the collective benefit of farmers regardless of whether individuals or state organisations are signed up members.

Media Contact:

Chris Griffin, President

M: 0402 846 239

ADF President Chris Griffin has welcomed the release of the green paper on the National Food Plan but has said plenty more needs to be done to ensure dairy farmers get a fair deal on milk price from the major supermarkets.

Mr Griffin said, “ADF is calling on the Government to support the dairy industry’s recommendation for an enforceable and mandatory Code of Conduct for supermarkets that covers the entire value chain, from farmer to retailer.”

“ADF also calls for a Supermarket Ombudsman to be established to investigate complaints and strongly enforce the new code with appropriate financial penalties.”

There is also a need for amendments to the Competition and Consumer Act to balance the supermarkets enormous market power, ensure they act in good faith and allow for potential future impacts of their actions to be taken into account by regulators.

The green paper recognises the importance of an integrated and collaborative approach to achieving the Plan and ADF welcomes this goal.

“We are particularly pleased to see the Government take up the ADF’s recommendation to the Senate Inquiry into the impacts of supermarket price decisions on the dairy industry to convene a forum to examine options for better managing supplier/supermarket relationships,” said Mr Griffin.

“We have written to the Minister urging him to ensure there is strong farmer representation at the forum to allow dairy farmers to voice the impacts on them from the current supermarket pricing practices.”

“We have also asked that ADF, as the national voice of dairy farmers in Australia, attend the forum along with other commodity group representative groups.”

This is vitally important to allow for more frank and fruitful discussions as many suppliers that deal directly with the supermarkets feel they cannot speak out due to a fear of retribution.

Media Contact:

Media Officer

T: (03) 8621 4200

By once again passing on an increase in milk price in Western Australia alone Coles is acknowledging that its pricing of fresh milk is unsustainable.

The increase of 3.3 cents per litre to processor Harvey Fresh is the second in WA since Coles dropped the price of milk to $1 per litre on Australia Day last year*.

Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) Vice President Noel Campbell says dairy farmers now expect Coles to pass on similar price increases to other processors so they can flow through to farming families.

“Clearly dairy farmers in Western Australia are doing it tough but they are certainly not alone. Milk priced at the unsustainable level of $1 per litre is also hurting farmers in Queensland, Northern NSW and to a lesser extent South Australia,” said Mr Campbell.

Drinking milk takes up all, or the majority, of milk production in these areas.

“The key point is that Coles’ prices for milk are unsustainable and Coles has proven this by giving Harvey Fresh a 3.3 cents per litre increase,” said Mr Campbell.

It is an admission by Coles that their ‘down, down’ campaign is having an impact on suppliers in the Australian domestic market.

Mr Campbell said “Coles also needs to publicly acknowledge that by reducing the price of milk to $1 per litre on their home brand milk they made a mistake and set prices that are unsustainable.”

The last time milk was a $1 per litre was around 1992. No-one can live on a wage set at 1992 levels. Would Coles’ executives be willing to go back to 1992 wage levels?

ADF is seeking an explanation from Coles on why they took this action in WA alone because it does not seem logical to increase prices in one market alone, when their pricing tactic impacts the whole of Australia. They must understand that the price on the retail shelf is linked to what farmers ultimately get paid.

Processors holding Coles contracts across Australia have indicated that milk priced at $1 per litre is hurting them (see attachment 1).

“It is time Coles raised prices to a sustainable level and stopped their marketing tactic. This recent increase in WA urgently needs to be replicated nationally.”

*In February last year Coles announced an increase of 5 cents per litre to Brownes Dairy, the then holder of its fresh milk contract.

Media Contact:

Media Officer

T: (03) 8621 4200

Ensuring that she could deliver the most effective outcomes as a board member for Western Dairy (WD) inspired Busselton’s Ruth McGregor to apply for the Developing Dairy Leaders Program (DDLP).

“Originally, it was the practical side of governance and advocacy that got me interested in the program,” Ruth said. “However, it is the idea that my communication style can directly influence others and their opinions that has really got me thinking.

“I love the dairy industry and the fact it is challenging and highly complex is what has sustained my interest. I’ve learnt that I can be better at listening to others and gaining a better understanding of their views and ideas, and that I can influence the way that our industry is perceived in the public eye. I hope this will mean I can deliver more for Western Dairy and the industry as a whole,” she said.

Ruth is one of 10 dairy people from across Australia’s dairy regions participating in the DDLP, which has been developed by Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) and Dairy Australia. Delivered by the National Centre for Dairy Education Australia (NCDEA), it follows on from the successful pilot program run in 2011.

Participants learn how to articulate, present and debate ideas, provide advocacy and representation, participate as a member of a board, participate in a media interview or presentation, lead and manage community or industry organisations and manage personal work priorities and professional development.

The program recently kicked off with a five-day residential stint in Melbourne. The next phase will involve a regionally based project with the support of an industry-leading mentor. It will conclude with a two-day residential policy and media development program in Canberra in September, resulting in a formal accreditation.

ADF President Chris Griffin said the program was a key activity in supporting the development of the dairy industry’s leaders.

“The participants of the Developing Dairy Leaders Program are from all the dairying regions of Australia and bring a great cross section of experience and fresh ideas,” Mr Griffin said.

“It is great to see such energy and commitment from people across Australia and across the industry.”

“Dairy is an industry we should be proud of and it is very exciting to see the potential in leadership that is out there,” Mr Griffin said.

Dairy Australia Managing Director Ian Halliday said the course had attracted an enthusiastic group of people, already working in the industry, to become the next round of dairy leaders.

“While the course has just started, participants are taking this opportunity to develop a range of vital leadership skills and are on the way to becoming the next wave of dairy industry representatives such as managers, presidents, directors and board members,” he said.

Media Contact:

Felicity Gallagher, Dairy Australia External Communications Manager

M: 0417 540 059

E: fgallagher@dairyaustralia.com.au

Ensuring leadership roles in the dairy industry are not left vacant prompted South Australian Perrin Hicks to join the Developing Dairy Leaders Program (DDLP).

Perrin, a Farm Manager from Mount Compass, understands the importance of leadership and thus the value of the DDLP course.

“A few years ago, I read about the dairy industry needing 80 new leaders every year,” Perrin said. “That surprised me as that seems to be a lot of new leaders to step forward or be discovered.”

“Luckily for me, I know some of last year’s DDLP participants and heard first hand how much they got out of the program. It really got me thinking about leadership and what I could do to get involved which is why I applied.” Perrin said.

Perrin is one of 10 dairy people from across Australia’s dairy regions participating in the DDLP, which has been developed by Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) and Dairy Australia. Delivered by the National Centre for Dairy Education Australia (NCDEA), it follows on from the successful pilot program run in 2011.

Participants learn how to articulate, present and debate ideas, provide advocacy and representation, participate as a member of a board, participate in a media interview or presentation, lead and manage community or industry organisations and manage personal work priorities and professional development.

The program recently kicked off with a five-day residential stint in Melbourne. The next phase will involve a regionally based project with the support of an industry-leading mentor. It will conclude with a two-day residential policy and media development program in Canberra in September, resulting in a formal accreditation.

ADF President Chris Griffin said the program was a key activity in supporting the development of the dairy industry’s leaders.

“The participants of the Developing Dairy Leaders Program are from all the dairying regions of Australia and bring a great cross section of experience and fresh ideas,” Mr Griffin said.

“It is great to see such energy and commitment from people across Australia and across the industry.”

“Dairy is an industry we should be proud of and it is very exciting to see the potential in leadership that is out there,” Mr Griffin said.

Dairy Australia Managing Director Ian Halliday said the course had attracted an enthusiastic group of people, already working in the industry, to become the next round of dairy leaders.

“While the course has just started, participants are taking this opportunity to develop a range of vital leadership skills and are on the way to becoming the next wave of dairy industry representatives such as managers, presidents, directors and board members,” he said.

Media Contact:

Felicity Gallagher, Dairy Australia External Communications Manager

M: 0417 540 059

E: fgallagher@dairyaustralia.com.au

The health of Victoria’s dairy manufacturing industries and where the industry is heading is not only top of mind for key dairy leaders, but it’s what drives Industry Training Consultant Donna Jack.

Based in Beechworth working for the National Centre for Dairy Education Australia (NCDEA), Donna hopes to be one of the industry’s key leaders one day to ensure the manufacturing sector has a solid future – and participating in the Developing Dairy Leaders Program (DDLP) takes her one step closer to achieving this.

“When I originally heard about the program, I wanted to make sure it was open to the processing side of the industry,” Donna said.

“Ensuring the health of processing is a passion of mine – without farm or processors, we have no industry.

“The program is helping me understand where my strengths and weaknesses are and how I can use them to my advantage when dealing with people. It is also teaching me how to communicate my point to be understood, even if someone doesn’t agree with me.”

Donna is one of 10 people from across Australia’s dairy regions participating in the DDLP, which has been developed by Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) and Dairy Australia. Delivered by the NCDEA, it follows on from the successful pilot program run in 2011.

Participants learn how to articulate, present and debate ideas, provide advocacy and representation, participate as a member of a board, participate in a media interview or presentation, lead and manage community or industry organisations and manage personal work priorities and professional development.

The program kicked off with a five-day residential stint in Melbourne. The next phase will involve a regionally based project with the support of an industry-leading mentor. It will conclude with a two-day residential policy and media development program in Canberra in September.

ADF President Chris Griffin said the program was a key activity in supporting the development of the dairy industry’s leaders.

“The participants of the Developing Dairy Leaders Program are from all the dairying regions of Australia and bring a great cross section of experience and fresh ideas,” Mr Griffin said.

“It is great to see such energy and commitment from people across Australia and across the industry.

“Dairy is an industry we should be proud of and it is very exciting to see the potential in leadership that is out there.”

Dairy Australia Managing Director Ian Halliday said the course had attracted an enthusiastic group of people, already working in the industry, to become the next round of dairy leaders.

“While the course has just started, participants are taking this opportunity to develop a range of vital leadership skills and are on the way to becoming the next wave of dairy industry representatives such as managers, presidents, directors and board members,” he said.

Media Contact:

Felicity Gallagher, Dairy Australia External Communications Manager

M: 0417 540 059

E: fgallagher@dairyaustralia.com.au

Darling Downs dairy cattle classifier Kellie Cooke has a real passion for attracting and retaining young people in the dairy industry.

The National Holstein Youth Co-ordinator at Holstein Australia, Kellie believes the Developing Dairy Leaders Program (DDLP) will help her take this passion further.

“The program is focussed on the skills I want to develop,” Kellie said.

“To me, putting structure around leadership is important. I’m in a role I am passionate about but that doesn’t necessarily equal great leadership.

“I love cows and it’s the people in the dairy industry that has attracted me to it,” said Kellie. “One of the best parts of the program was so far was meeting Natalie Collard. To see a young woman in a senior role such as the CEO of Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) has really inspired me.”

Kellie is one of 10 dairy people from across Australia’s dairy regions participating in the DDLP, which has been developed by Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) and Dairy Australia. Delivered by the National Centre for Dairy Education Australia (NCDEA), it follows on from the successful pilot program run in 2011.

Participants learn how to articulate, present and debate ideas, provide advocacy and representation, participate as a member of a board, participate in a media interview or presentation, lead and manage community or industry organisations and manage personal work priorities and professional development.

The program recently kicked off with a five-day residential stint in Melbourne. The next phase will involve a regionally based project with the support of an industry-leading mentor. It will conclude with a two-day residential policy and media development program in Canberra in September, resulting in a formal accreditation.

ADF President Chris Griffin said the program was a key activity in supporting the development of the dairy industry’s leaders.

“The participants of the Developing Dairy Leaders Program are from all the dairying regions of Australia and bring a great cross section of experience and fresh ideas,” Mr Griffin said.

“It is great to see such energy and commitment from people across Australia and across the industry.”

“Dairy is an industry we should be proud of and it is very exciting to see the potential in leadership that is out there,” Mr Griffin said.

Dairy Australia Managing Director Ian Holliday said the course had attracted an enthusiastic group of people, already working in the industry, to become the next round of dairy leaders.

“While the course has just started, participants are taking this opportunity to develop a range of vital leadership skills and are on the way to becoming the next wave of dairy industry representatives such as managers, presidents, directors and board members,” he said.

Media Contact:

Felicity Gallagher, Dairy Australia External Communications Manager

M: 0417 540 059

E: fgallagher@dairyaustralia.com.au

Improving his personal skills to deliver more for the dairy industry is what prompted Maffra’s Andrew Nevill to apply for the Developing Dairy Leaders Program (DDLP).

A Field Services Manager for Murray Goulburn, Andrew has been involved in dairying since he was a child and his passion for the industry has only grown stronger from there. He said the professional development he had received from the course so far had been both enjoyable and beneficial.

“Understanding the strengths and weaknesses in my own skills and how to best use them is vital,” Andrew said.

“It allows me to get the best out of myself and gives me the ability to work more effectively with colleagues and get the best out of them too.”

Andrew is one of 10 dairy people from across Australia’s dairy regions participating in the DDLP, which has been developed by Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) and Dairy Australia. Delivered by the National Centre for Dairy Education Australia (NCDEA), it follows on from the successful pilot program run in 2011.

Participants learn how to articulate, present and debate ideas, provide advocacy and representation, participate as a member of a board, participate in a media interview or presentation, lead and manage community or industry organisations and manage personal work priorities and professional development.

The program recently kicked off with a five-day residential stint in Melbourne. The next phase will involve a regionally based project with the support of an industry-leading mentor. It will conclude with a two-day residential policy and media development program in Canberra in September, resulting in a formal accreditation.

ADF President Chris Griffin said the program was a key activity in supporting the development of the dairy industry’s leaders.

“The participants of the Developing Dairy Leaders Program are from all the dairying regions of Australia and bring a great cross section of experience and fresh ideas,” Mr Griffin said.

“It is great to see such energy and commitment from people across Australia and across the industry.”

“Dairy is an industry we should be proud of and it is very exciting to see the potential in leadership that is out there,” Mr Griffin said.

Dairy Australia Managing Director Ian Halliday said the course had attracted an enthusiastic group of people, already working in the industry, to become the next round of dairy leaders.

“While the course has just started, participants are taking this opportunity to develop a range of vital leadership skills and are on the way to becoming the next wave of dairy industry representatives such as managers, presidents, directors and board members,” he said.

Media Contact:

Felicity Gallagher, Dairy Australia External Communications Manager

M: 0417 540 059

E: fgallagher@dairyaustralia.com.au

Tamania’s Kim Foss is a firm believer in building a strong education program for the dairy industry. The VET Strategies and Product Development Manager at the Skills Institute of Tasmania is keen to develop her skills to advocate for investment in dairy education, which is why she is participating in the Developing Dairy Leaders Program (DDLP).

Kim said she was keen to become more involved in the strategic level of dairy education.

“Although I currently deliver dairy education throughout Tasmania, I want to be able to advocate for investment in the sector,” she said.

“I joined the program to increase my networks, learn more about dairy education programs across the country and influence relevant policy decisions. The DDLP provides the perfect environment to do this. ”

Kim is one of 10 dairy people from across Australia’s dairy regions participating in the DDLP, which has been developed by Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) and Dairy Australia. Delivered by the National Centre for Dairy Education Australia (NCDEA), it follows on from the successful pilot program run in 2011.

Participants learn how to articulate, present and debate ideas, provide advocacy and representation, participate as a member of a board, participate in a media interview or presentation, lead and manage community or industry organisations and manage personal work priorities and professional development.

The program recently kicked off with a five-day residential stint in Melbourne. The next phase will involve a regionally based project with the support of an industry-leading mentor. It will conclude with a two-day residential policy and media development program in Canberra in September, resulting in a formal accreditation.

ADF President Chris Griffin said the program was a key activity in supporting the development of the dairy industry’s leaders.

“The participants of the Developing Dairy Leaders Program are from all the dairying regions of Australia and bring a great cross section of experience and fresh ideas,” Mr Griffin said.

“It is great to see such energy and commitment from people across Australia and across the industry.”

“Dairy is an industry we should be proud of and it is very exciting to see the potential in leadership that is out there,” Mr Griffin said.

Dairy Australia Managing Director Ian Halliday said the course had attracted an enthusiastic group of people, already working in the industry, to become the next round of dairy leaders.

“While the course has just started, participants are taking this opportunity to develop a range of vital leadership skills and are on the way to becoming the next wave of dairy industry representatives such as managers, presidents, directors and board members,” he said.

Media Contact:

Felicity Gallagher, Dairy Australia External Communications Manager

M: 0417 540 059

E: fgallagher@dairyaustralia.com.au