Farmers make their views clear at Dairy Australia AGM 2025
Dairy farmers have sent a clear message, reiterating their strong desire for farmers and processors to work together in the interests of Australian dairy, following a vote at Dairy Australia’s Annual General Meeting.
A resolution put forward by Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) to remove the Australian Dairy Products Federation (ADPF) as a Group B member of Dairy Australia was not successful, with 79 per cent of farmers voting against the motion.
Dairy Australia Chair Paul Roderick acknowledged that the outcome was definitive, underscoring farmers’ preference for a united and collaborative industry.
“The Board did not adopt a collective position on this resolution, and I did not vote any undirected proxies on this resolution,” said Mr Roderick.
“The Board maintained the view that farmers should have the ultimate say on this matter and they have made their views very clear.”
Mr Roderick also shared an update on discussions with ADPF and dairy processors towards a co-investment model.
“Whilst we’ve made progress and reached agreement on some funding, it’s not yet at a level that we can call true co-investment,” said Mr Roderick.
“We will continue to work with ADPF and processors towards a sustainable ongoing funding model that reflects the value Dairy Australia delivers right along the dairy supply chain.”
A further item to amend the constitution with regards to the composition of the Board Selection Committee was approved.
“The constitutional change modernises the way our Board Selection Committee is formed, bringing the process in line with best practice,” said Mr Roderick.
“Importantly, this change also ensures no single group – whether it’s Dairy Australia or a Group B member – can dominate the process.”
Dairy Australia members elected three directors, and the Board reappointed Mr Roderick as Chair for a second year.
The positions for election at the AGM were for a director with milk producer (farming) skills, a director with finance and risk management skills, and a director with research, development and commercialisation skills.
The directors elected at the AGM are Kären Moroney (milk producer skills), Andrew Maughan (finance and risk management skills), and Dr Steve Jefferies (research, development and commercialisation skills).
Mr Roderick addressed the hybrid meeting from Wollongong, New South Wales and congratulated the directors on their appointments.
“Congratulations to our new director, Dr Steve Jefferies, and welcome back to Kären Moroney and Andrew Maughan,” said Mr Roderick.
“Finally, a sincere thanks to retiring director Dr Alan Bell for his service to the Dairy Australia Board.”
This year’s AGM was held online and in Wollongong, New South Wales. The results of the AGM are available on the Dairy Australia website, dairyaustralia.com.au/agm.
-ENDS