For Sally Pate the dairy industry is all about opportunities for everyone involved or wanting to enter the sector and the Leongatha North girl is grabbing them with both hands.

In her fifth year of a double degree in in Agricultural Science and Communications at Melbourne University and about to start work with Irwin Stockfeeds, Sally is also part of the new Developing Dairy Leaders Program developed by Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) and Dairy Australia.

“I love the dairy industry; I’m passionate about the present and future,‖ Sally said. ―There is so much opportunity to grow your own business with your own influence and methods and there are so many different career paths.”

The pilot program, which is being delivered by the National Centre for Dairy Education Australia (NCDEA), aims to build on the leadership skills of people aged 18-30 who are committed to the dairy industry.

Denise Jones from Inverloch is also participating in the program and the Gippsland pair are part of a group of 17 (10 men and seven women) from across Australia. Recently, the group spent four days taking part in a skills development section of the program in Melbourne where they interacted with current industry leaders from various state and national organisations.

Sally has recommended the program to any young person striving for a leadership role at a regional or national level.

“I applied for the course for personal development reasons, networking, to explore other opportunities out there and to learn as much as I can about communication,‖ she said. ―So far it has challenged a lot of thought and opened my thinking pattern.”

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 next phase of the program 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 May. The end result being formal accreditation.

The program has been developed in response to the Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) Dairy Leadership – An Industry Blueprint 2010-15, which identified 200 leadership roles are required across the industry – 40 new people each year.

ADF Vice President Adrian Drury said the program was a key activity in supporting the development of the dairy industry’s state level leaders.

“I have met the participants of the Developing Dairy Leaders Program and believe them to be a group of young people who are more than capable of responding to any challenge thrown at them, leading our industry and staying true to themselves,” Mr Drury said.

Dairy Australia managing director Ian Halliday said the course had attracted a group of enthusiastic and passionate young people from the industry.

“It is very encouraging to see a group of young people so keen to build on their dairy careers, which just goes to show the future of our industry is in extremely good hands,” Mr Halliday said.

“While the course has just started participants have taken hold of the opportunity to learn from current leaders with gusto and are already taking the necessary steps to become the next wave of dairy industry representatives as managers, presidents, directors and board members.”

The Developing Dairy Leaders Program is one of the many examples of the dairy service levy at work. Farmers receive a benefit of $3 for every $1 invested by Dairy Australia on their behalf. For more information on this and other levy investments visit www.dairyaustralia.com.au

Media Contact:

Felicity Gallagher, Dairy Australia External Communications Manager

M: 0417 540 059

E: fgallagher@dairyaustralia.com.au

NSW dairy farmer Melissa Bailey says effective leadership is the guiding force for innovation, adaptation and success.

Fresh from starting the industry’s new Developing Dairy Leaders Program, Melissa believes such a course is vital if we want Dairy to remain a strong and unified industry in a volatile and uncertain world market.

Melissa, from Geringong, is one of three from NSW participating in the pilot program developed by Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) and Dairy Australia. She is joined by Kristen Clark from Tocumwal and Luke Micalleff from Rossmore. The pilot program, delivered by National Centre for Dairy Education Australia (NCDEA), aims to build on the leadership skills of 18-30 year-olds committed to the dairy industry.

The trio are part of a group of 17 – 10 men and seven women, who recently spent four days taking part in a skills development section of the program in Melbourne where they interacted with current industry leaders from various state and national organisations.

“The leadership training has been really comprehensive and well developed,” Melissa said.

“Having the opportunity to meet current industry leaders, listen to their experiences and form a network with other like minded people who are passionate about dairy has been an invaluable experience.

“The leadership skills combined with the industry knowledge I have gained have given me increased confidence in my ability to participate in, represent and promote the dairy Industry in my region and state.”

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 next phase of the program 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 May. The end result being formal accreditation.

The program has been developed in response to the Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) Dairy Leadership – An Industry Blueprint 2010-15, which identified 200 leadership roles are required across the industry – 40 new people each year.

ADF Vice President Adrian Drury said the program was a key activity in supporting the development of the dairy industry’s state level leaders.

“I have met the participants of the Developing Dairy Leaders Program and believe them to be a group of young people who are more than capable of responding to any challenge thrown at them, leading our industry and staying true to themselves,” Mr Drury said.

Being connected with fellow young dairy people, expanding networks and access to current key players are key to helping develop future leaders of the industry according to Mt Compass farmer Nick Brokenshire.

And the new Developing Dairy Leaders Program is bringing these elements together for Nick. He and fellow South Australian farmer Ty Maidment are part of a group of 17 men and women from across the country participating in the program, developed by Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) and Dairy Australia. It aims to build on the leadership skills of 18-30 year-olds committed to the dairy industry.

Nick said the pilot program, which is being delivered by National Centre for Dairy Education (NCDEA), builds on a previous leadership course he completed, helping his personal development.

“It’s a great opportunity to network with similar people, build relationships and contacts so you don’t get stuck in a box,” he said.

“This connection is what we need with the changes we are facing in the industry. Plus we have access to those you wouldn’t otherwise have access to and it opens the mind and helps you think from different points of view. So far I’ve been able to improve my communication skills and have a greater understanding of the roles of leaders.”

The group recently completed the first stage of the pilot program, which involved a four-day residential skills development program in Melbourne where participants interacted with current industry leaders from various state and national organisations.

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 next phase of the program 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 May. The end result being formal accreditation.

The program has been developed in response to the Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) Dairy Leadership – An Industry Blueprint 2010-15, which identified 200 leadership roles are required across the industry – 40 new people each year.

ADF Vice President Adrian Drury said the Developing Dairy Leaders Program is a key activity in supporting the development of the dairy industry’s state level leaders.

“I have met the participants of the Developing Dairy Leaders Program and believe them to be a group of young people who are more than capable of responding to any challenge that is thrown at them, leading our industry and staying true to themselves,” Mr Drury said.

Dairy Australia managing director Ian Halliday said the course had attracted a group of enthusiastic and passionate young people from the industry.

“It is very encouraging to see a group of young people so keen to build on their dairy careers, which just goes to show the future of our industry is in extremely good hands,” Mr Halliday said.

The dairy industry has and always will be in Rebecca Gell’s blood and she wouldn’t have it any other way.

The Kyabram dairy farmer, who is the herd and farm manager for a 600-cow organic dairy farm, is planning for the various roles she will undertake in the industry moving forward and the new Developing Dairy Leaders Program is helping her achieve this.

“I wanted to improve myself development, meet other like-minded people and learn more about the industry,” Rebecca said. “So far it has been stimulating, challenging and rewarding.”

The pilot program, developed by Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) and Dairy Australia, aims to build on the leadership skills of people aged 18-30 who are committed to the dairy industry. Two other young northern Victorian dairy industry players have joined Rebecca on the program – Gunbower’s Jason Smith and Ashley Hogg from Biggara.

The three northern Victorians are part of a group of 17, 10 men and seven women, from across Australia taking part in the program, which is being delivered by the National Centre for Dairy Education Australia (NCDEA). The group recently completed the first stage of the pilot program, which involved a four-day residential skills development program in Melbourne where participants interacted with current industry leaders from various state and national organisations.

“It was great to meet people in the industry from boards and leading roles and hearing their stories and challenges they have faced which I can learn from,‖ Rebecca said. ―The program gives confidence to younger people who are coming up through the industry and helps them take the step they need to into a new role.”

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 next phase of the program 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 May. The end result being formal accreditation.

The program has been developed in response to the Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) Dairy Leadership – An Industry Blueprint 2010-15, which identified 200 leadership roles are required across the industry – 40 new people each year.

ADF Vice President Adrian Drury said the program was a key activity in supporting the development of the dairy industry’s state level leaders.

“I have met the participants of the Developing Dairy Leaders Program and believe them to be a group of young people who are more than capable of responding to any challenge thrown at them, leading our industry and staying true to themselves,” Mr Drury said.

Dairy Australia managing director Ian Halliday said the course had attracted a group of enthusiastic and passionate young people from the industry.

Western Victorian field officer Rowan Ault says much of what he has learned so far in the new Developing Dairy Leaders Program can be applied to everyday life in some way.

“I will be able to use a mixture of industry and life skills,‖ he said. ―Industry information is readily applicable in my role as a field officer with Warrnambool Cheese and Butter.”

The pilot program, developed by Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) and Dairy Australia, aims to build on the leadership skills of people aged 18-30 who are committed to the dairy industry. Rowan is one of three from western Victoria to take part in the program, he is joined by Colac’s Sophie Hester and Tahnee King from Warrnambool.

There are a total of 17 young dairy industry people from across Australia participating – 10 men and seven women. Recently, the group completed the first stage, which involved a four-day residential skills development program in Melbourne where participants interacted with current industry leaders from various state and national organisations.

Rowan grew up on a dairy farm at Rochester in northern Victoria and said the program, delivered by National Centre for Dairy Education Australia (NCDEA), was a great opportunity to meet key industry leaders.

“It gave me a greater awareness of how the industry operates and I had the opportunity to learn how key leaders have reached the positions they are in,” he said. “I think the course could be of great value to the industry – pathways need to be developed to keep people involved. It’s a good way of introducing people to broader aspects of the industry and opening up a lot of opportunities that might not have been available.”

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 next phase of the program 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 May. The end result being formal accreditation.

The program has been developed in response to the Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) Dairy Leadership – An Industry Blueprint 2010-15, which identified 200 leadership roles are required across the industry – 40 new people each year.

ADF Vice President Adrian Drury said the program was a key activity in supporting the development of the dairy industry’s state level leaders.

“I have met the participants of the Developing Dairy Leaders Program and believe them to be a group of young people who are more than capable of responding to any challenge thrown at them, leading our industry and staying true to themselves,” Mr Drury said.

Dairy Australia managing director Ian Halliday said the course had attracted a group of enthusiastic and passionate young people from the industry.

On 26 January Coles announced that it was cutting its home brand milk to $2 for a two litre container of Coles Brand milk.

ADF Vice President Chris Griffin said, ‘Coles is selling milk at an unsustainable price’ and challenged Coles to prove that the milk price cut would not affect farm gate milk prices for Australian dairy farmers.

On 3 February Coles announced price cuts for its home brand butter and cream.

ADF suspected the drop in the price of milk would be the thin edge of the wedge and the cream and butter price cut proves it.

The Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) now calls on consumers to support dairy farmers and their families and buy ‘branded’ milk, butter and cream products following this latest marketing ploy.

These price drops will increase the price difference between large retailer supermarket brand milk and milk processor branded milk. Shoppers will opt for supermarket brand milk which have lower returns to processors and that will then flow on to the farm gate.

Ultimately it will also lead to less choice for consumers as the experience in the United Kingdom has shown.

The ADF has calculated that the cost to Coles of the milk price cut alone if, as they claim, they do not pass on the price cut will be over $30 million per annum.

It defies logic to think that Coles will ‘fully absorb’ this amount of money. It is inevitable that it will be passed on to either consumers, through higher prices on other products, in Coles’ stores or to dairy farmers through lower prices for their milk.

ADF Vice President, Chris Griffin, has noted that in media comment Coles has repeatedly refused to rule out dropping prices for processors and farmers in future contracts.

‘We’re not saying what will happen to our rolling contracts this year’ a Cole’s spokesman said in Stock and Land on 3 February.

ADF Vice President Chris Griffin again challenges Coles to prove that this marketing tactic will not affect farm gate milk prices for Australian dairy farmers.

Media Contact:

Chris Griffin, ADF President

M: 0402 846 239

The Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) challenges Coles to prove that the recent milk price cuts will not affect farm gate milk prices for Australian dairy farmers.

ADF Vice President Chris Griffin said, ‘Coles is selling milk at an unsustainable price and it is not only dairy farmers who believe this is the case.’

In the Herald Sun on Thursday 27 January Woolworths said ‘we don’t feel this is a sustainable outcome for the dairy industry.’

On the same day in the Courier Mail Woolworths also said, ‘this is certainly not a sustainable price level for milk and it will inevitably lead to pressure at the farm gate.’

In the Australian newspaper on Friday 28 January Franklin’s Managing Director Roni Perlov is quoted as acknowledging the prices were ‘unsustainable’.

In the Adelaide Advertiser on Thursday 27 January the National Association of Retail Grocers of Australia, Chairman, John Cummings, said, ‘in the case of milk pricing, the dairy farmer who was getting little will now get nothing.’

The ADF has calculated that the cost to Coles of this marketing tactic if, as they claim, they do not pass on the price cut will be over $30 million per annum.

It defies logic to think that Coles will ‘fully absorb’ this amount of money. It is inevitable that it will be passed on to either consumers through higher prices on other products in Coles’ stores or to dairy farmers through lower prices for their milk.

In light of all these major industry players saying the pricing is unsustainable the ADF challenges Coles to show why they alone believe it is sustainable.

ADF Vice President, Chris Griffin, asks Coles, ‘Why do they alone believe they can absorb the cost?’

Home brand milk represents milk volume through-put for milk processors, however profits are derived from their branded milk. Coles’ aggressive promotion of home brand milk at the expense of the diverse range of branded milk products represents a threat not only to consumer choice but to the dairy supply chain. Dairy farmers will feel the squeeze as milk processors lose profits.

‘How can Coles avoid passing the cost of this tricky marketing tactic on to consumers or dairy farmers?’

‘Which is it to be? Slugging consumers through higher prices on other products in Coles’ stores or gouging dairy farmers by paying them even less for their milk.’

Media Contact:

Adrian Drury, ADF Vice President

M: 0428 569 245

Chris Griffin, ADF President

M: 0402 846 239

Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) Vice President Chris Griffin today expressed concern on behalf of dairy farmers following Coles’ decision to slash the price of their home brand fresh milk by up to 33%.

“ADF is concerned that Coles is selling milk at an unsustainable price. This marketing tactic is apparently made without any concern for dairy farmers who work hard to produce a high quality, nutritious food for Australian consumers,” Mr Griffin said.

“The impact of this pricing decision will ultimately flow on to hit dairy farmers at a time when they are struggling to respond financially to years of drought and now floods.”

The dairy industry is pulling together as a community to assist those farmers that have suffered during this devastating flood crisis.

“Our aim is to get dairy farmers quickly back on their feet in an effort to prevent cost increases for consumers,” Mr Griffin said.

“However, we fear that Coles’ decision will come as a blow to many dairy farmers battling towards recovery.”

ADF considers that consumers understand the devastation that the floods have caused to all farmers and are appreciative of the efforts of dairy farmers to maintain production levels and thereby prevent the need for milk price rises.

“We are at a loss however, to understand how setting a new low for the retail price at a time when the price of other commodities is rising, is of benefit to the industry,” Mr Griffin said.

Media Contact:

Media Contact:

Chris Griffin, ADF Vice President

M: 0402 846 239

Adrian Drury, ADF Vice President

M: 0428 569 245

Young dairy leaders with the vision and passion to guide the dairy industry are being called to apply for the new ‘Developing Dairy Leaders Program’.

The program, developed by Dairy Australia and Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF), aims to build on the leadership skills of people aged 18-30 who are committed to the dairy industry.

Two applicants from each major dairying region will be selected to participate in the all-expenses paid program, which runs from February to May 2011. Program participants will:

take part in a four-day residential skills development program in Melbourne
a two-day residential policy and media development program in Canberra
gain formal accreditation towards the industry’s learning and development career pathway work with an industry-leading mentor
learn to contribute to the development of policy.

The program has been developed in response to the Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) Dairy Leadership – An Industry Blueprint 2010-15, which identified 200 leadership roles are required across the industry – 40 new people each year.

Dairy Australia Managing Director Ian Halliday is pleased to support this initiative as a part of the industry’s commitment to developing its leaders.

“The Australian Dairy industry has overcome many challenges in recent years with the guidance of its dedicated leaders,” Mr Halliday said.

“Dairy Australia recognises the importance of supporting our leaders in every stage of their development and I encourage our next generation of leaders to participate in this program and building the future of the Australian dairy industry.”

ADF President Wes Judd believes the Developing Dairy Leaders Program is a key activity in supporting the development of its state level leaders.

“This program will suit young people who have taken steps down the leadership path and want to further develop their knowledge and career. It provides a fantastic opportunity for participants to learn from current industry leaders,” Mr Judd said.

“I urge young people out there to apply and have a go for themselves and the dairy industry.”

Visit www.dairyaustralia.com.au/leadership to download an application form or for more information. Applications close on 10 December 2010.

Media Contact:

Felicity Gallagher, Dairy Australia External Communications Manager

M: 0417 540 059

E: fgallagher@dairyaustralia.com.au

THE Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) has welcomed the common sense approach shown by the Murray Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) in yesterday’s announcement of a pre-release of Basin plan Guidelines in August.

ADF President, Wes Judd said, ‘ADF has for sometime communicated to government the need to review the draft Basin Plan before it’s finally released’.

‘This early review process will now give the dairy industry, agricultural irrigators and the community an opportunity to consider what’s proposed and provide vital feedback into the draft Basin plan’, he said.

Mr Judd said, ‘that although this does provide some level of reassurance on early consultation, it does not remove or weaken the industry message to the MDBA and the Commonwealth Government, that any reduction to irrigation water allocations will have a significant impact on dairy farms in the Basin region’.

‘If allocations are reduced, it will not only harm the dairy industry and irrigated agriculture, but all sectors of the community across the Basin region. It is important that everyone understands this,‘ he said.

Media contact:

Wes Judd, ADF President

M: 0407 132 854

THE Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) President Wes Judd today welcomed the Senate Economics References Committee report into competition and pricing in the Australian dairy industry.

“Low milk price is always a grave concern for dairy farmers, and the last 18 months have seen an almost unprecedented downturn. While prices are now improving, it is important that food pricing and returns to farmers are transparent to everyone in the supply chain, including consumers” said Mr Judd. “In this environment, it is important that government and industry continue to work together to ensure market power is shared by all.”

Mr Judd confirmed that ADF had worked closely with milk processing companies and would continue to do so. His firm message is that dairy farmers should get returns for their milk at the farm gate as high as the market can yield, saying “as a global price taker, processers need to mirror global milk prices to be competitive in both our domestic and export milk markets. At the same time, farmers need a return that keeps their business viable.”

Mr Judd singled out collective bargaining arrangements as a highlight of the report. “In our market-oriented industry, we rely heavily on a robust system that allows market forces to operate, whilst increasing dairy farmers’ ability to access more balanced market power through tools such as collective bargaining. Strengthening these provisions is one of the recommendations of the Senate Committee that ADF would support. Obviously we would need to further explore the detail of how this is achieved.”

ADF recently welcomed the more positive outlook for milk price forecast by Dairy Australia. After one of the toughest years on record, dairy farmers are proceeding cautiously in the hope that 2010 will be a year of recovery.

Media Contact:

Wes Judd, ADF President

M: 0407 132 854

Adrian Scott, Chief Executive Officer

M: 0437 057 022