The Industry

The Western Australian dairy industry is located in the South West of the state around three main areas: Harvey, Margaret River, and Denmark on the south coast. With approximately 145 dairy farms, the state produces around 337 million litres of milk per annum, contributing four per cent of Australia’s total milk production. The state’s processing sector of the industry is dominated by three key companies along with a number of small businesses including organic operations. The industry plays a key role in the economy of local regions.

Dairying continues to be an important rural industry forWestern Australia. As a major regional employer, the industry value-adds through the processing of milk to produce fresh lines such as butter, cream, cheese and yogurt. The processing sector of the industry is dominated by three key companies along with a number of small businesses, including organic operations. The industry plays a key role in the economy of local regions.

The WAFarmers Dairy Council is committed to working in the policy field to ensure our industry is involved in shaping the regulations and laws under which dairy businesses must operate. Key areas of work include animal health and welfare, water and environment, milk pricing (farm gate and retail) and supplier contracts, consumer education and industry promotion.
The Dairy Council is made up of local dairy farmers who contribute grass roots information and years of experience to ensure the industry continues to be able to operate in a sustainable, environmentally responsible and ethical manner.

WAFarmers is a member of Australian Dairy Farmers Limited (ADF), which is committed to providing strong leadership and nationally-coordinated policy and advocacy work so the dairy industry can continue to grow and prosper. WAFarmers has a strong relationship with ADF and works closely on issues affecting dairy farmers and their profitability in Western Australia.

ADF is a not-for-profit organisation representing the interests of Australian dairy farmers and has a long history of successfully lobbying for the rights of dairy farmers on many fronts, including trade, water, carbon, milk price and animal health and welfare issues.

ADF’s vision is for a sustainable, innovative, domestic and internationally-competitive dairy industry that is valued for its environmental, economic, health and social contribution. The WAFarmers Dairy Council shares this vision and works to ensure the dairy industry in Western Australia continues to supply our consumers with a safe, healthy and nutritious product.