Australia: Still a great place for dairy farmers

When I started as Managing Director, I believed Australia was a great place to be a dairy farmer. Seven years on, I believe it even more strongly.

It hasn’t all been smooth sailing. Seasonal and market shifts are part of the job, but overall, farm profitability has improved. Demand for Australian dairy remains strong both locally and overseas, and our reputation has held firm through global disruptions.

Over the past five years, dairy farmers have delivered some of the best financial results in recent memory. Data from the Dairy Farm Monitor Project shows 60 per cent of farmers hit the industry profit target of $1.50 per kilogram of milk solids, which is well above our five-year goal of 50 per cent. That’s a great result, but we can’t stop there. Consistent profit is key to reinvestment and long-term success.

One of the things I’ve valued most is the stronger connection between Dairy Australia and farmers. From kitchen table chats to regional events and input into our next strategy, your voices have helped shape where we invest and how we support the industry.

Dairy Australia plays a unique role. We invest in areas that individual businesses cannot, and we act as a trusted bridge to government, the community, and global markets. Our independence and apolitical stance help us pursue improvements for the dairy industry and be a credible and trusted source of information.

A standout achievement has been rebuilding community trust. We sharpened our focus with a clearer purpose, better targeting, and smarter engagement, and it’s paid off. Our latest Trust Tracker survey shows that 85 per cent of the community now trusts the dairy industry, which is an all-time high and well above many other sectors.

We’ve also made real progress in key areas like people development, business management, and technical innovation. Genomics and breeding often get the spotlight, but we’ve also advanced in feedbase management. This includes improvements in transition cow feeding, subtropical forage use, and fertiliser strategies.

As I wrap up my time at Dairy Australia, I’ve reflected on how far we’ve come. When I started, we were dealing with milk price shocks. Today, the industry is in a stronger position, with better market conditions and a more positive outlook.

It has been a privilege to champion an industry that not only nourishes the nation but continues to innovate, lead in sustainability, and earn the respect of communities here and around the world. I’m proud of the role Dairy Australia has played, especially the dedication and professionalism of our people. They work every day for farmers and for the future of the industry.

I look forward to seeing Australian dairy continue to thrive.