Three recent Dairy Industry Updates provided WA dairy farmers the opportunity to learn about the latest developments in industry products and services, and gave attendees insights into how the national peak body for dairy, Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF), and WAFarmers were working to benefit all members.
The events, held in Boyanup, Metricup and Harvey, saw presentations from Bell Pasture Seeds’ Robbie Bell and Zoetis representative Michael Rose, both of whom offered valuable information about their products.
WAFarmers Dairy Council President Phil Depiazzi said the events were well attended and held great promise for future workshops.
“The most pleasing aspect was the opportunity for farmers to raise their own issues and concerns, with some excellent matters being raised for both advocacy organisations to take on board,” Mr Depiazzi said.
“These workshops proved to be very valuable for attendees as they learnt more about how to get the best from their pastures and livestock and how this would translate into a more profitable, sustainable and productive farm.
“We look forward to holding similar events again in July this year in the southern area of the state, so that other dairy areas such as Walpole, Denmark and Albany can benefit from this information.”
ADF Chief Executive Officer Ben Stapley participated in all three sessions, and emphasised the importance ADF’s continued partnership with the state’s dairy industry.
“ADF provides WA and other state members’ dairy farmers with a direct, collective voice to our Federal Government,” Mr Stapley said.
“Whether that be on competition policy, tax policy, regarding drought assistance or trade agreements, we can and do ensure that WA dairy farmers’ interests are taken into account by Canberra when it’s setting policies that can impact on the viability of farms across all dairying states.
“The best outcomes for the industry are delivered when our entire supply chain speaks with a consistent, clear and united voice.
“Our industry does this through the Australian Dairy Industry Council, a partnership where dairy farmers and processors work together to create a more prosperous and sustainable future by jointly advocating to government, industry and the community.
“This approach is well-received in Canberra. Our advice from the Ministers that we regularly speak to is that dairy’s ability to speak as a united industry is critical to our persuasion.”
Mr Stapley said ADF looked forward to continuing to work with WAFarmers to deliver improved outcomes for dairy farmers and the industry on a whole.
ENDS.
All media requests must be directed to WAFarmers Media and Communications Officer Melanie Dunn on (08) 9486 2100 or melaniedunn@wafarmers.org.au.