Here are our press releases

17 February 2010 New ADF Chief Adrian Scott For immediate release Australian Dairy Farmers Limited (ADF) welcomed the commencement of its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Adrian Scott...

ADIC media release: Enquiry should focus on collaborative action (10 February 2010)

Level 2, Swann House, 22 William Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000 AUSTRALIA Telephone: +61 3 8621 4250 Facsimile: +61 3 8621 4280 ABN: 76 673 412 879 Media Release 22 December 2009 ADIC media release: Enquiry should focus on collaborative action For immediate release Enquiry should focus on collaborative action The Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) Chairman Wes Judd today welcomed the recent announcement by Minister Burke that an enquiry into Research and Development Corporations (RDC’s) in Australia would be established...

Dairy Industry looks forward to working with Government on emissions trading scheme (11 September 2008)

11 September 2008 The Australian dairy industry seeks further engagement with the Federal Government on the industry’s concerns identified in its response to the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) discussion paper...

Where are the contingency plans for stock and domestic water? (17 July 2008)

17 July 2008 Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) is calling for the development of contingency plans to ensure that dairy farmers in the Murray Darling Basin have the best possible chance of gaining access to stock and domestic water for the 2008-09 season...

New Zealand inspires young Australian dairy farmers (25 June 2008)

25 June 2008 The 2008 Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) ten-day Young Dairy Farmers Study Tour of New Zealand concluded recently. This study tour provided a unique opportunity for selected dairy farmers to undertake an educational program so that they may develop their industry leadership knowledge and capacity...

Wes Judd to lead the world's dairy farmers (4 June 2008)

4 June 2008 Australian Dairy Farmers’ (ADF) Deputy President Wes Judd is to lead the dairy group of IFAP - the International Federation of Agricultural Producers. IFAP is the world farmers’ organisation representing over 500 million farm families grouped in 100 national organisations in 70 countries. Mr Judd’s deputies are from Canada and Uganda...

Australian & New Zealand dairy industry continue to move closer (19 February 2008)

19 February 2008 Australian and New Zealand dairy farming leaders continued to move closer spending last week thinking together about shared global challenges and the strategic directions of their industry...

New ADF Chief Lisa Wilson (7 February 2008)

7 February 2008 Australian Dairy Farmers Limited (ADF) welcomed the commencement this week of its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Lisa Wilson...

Dairy industry honours John McLean (30 November 2007)

30 November 2007 The dairy industry’s peak body, the Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC), honoured former Warrnambool Cheese and Butter CEO and managing Director John McLean by awarding him the second ADIC Outstanding Service Award at the ADIC Dairy Industry Breakfast in Melbourne today. The inaugural award was presented last year to Pat Rowley...

John McQueen ends his time with ADF after 25 years (28 November 2007)

28 November 2007 After more than 25 years serving the Australian dairy industry, John McQueen has decided to end his time as Australian Dairy Farmers’ (ADF) chief executive officer at the end of the year...

Victorian and NSW Governments support dairy industry view on GM choice (27 November 2007)

27 November 2007 Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) chairman Allan Burgess said today that the Australian dairy industry welcomed the decision by the Victorian and New South Wales Governments to allow the moratorium on GM canola to expire...

Dairy farmers encouraged to have their say at the Dairy Australia AGM (20 November 2007)

20 November 2007 Australian Dairy Farmers Limited (ADF) is encouraging dairy farmers to participate in the forthcoming Dairy Australia Annual General Meeting (AGM). The AGM will be held in Melbourne on 30 November and ADF understands that many will be unable to attend in person. State dairy farmer organisations presidents will be attending the meeting and we encourage dairy farmers to complete the proxy form and direct their state president on how to vote. In other words, dairy farmers can cast their vote, the way they want, via their state dairy farmer organisation president...

Have your say at the Dairy Australia AGM (20 November 2007)

20 November 2007 Australian Dairy Farmers Limited (ADF) is encouraging dairy farmers to participate in the forthcoming Dairy Australia Annual General Meeting (AGM). The AGM will be held in Melbourne on 30 November and ADF understands that many will be unable to attend in person. State dairy farmer organisations presidents will be attending the meeting and we encourage dairy farmers to complete the proxy form and direct their state president on how to vote. In other words, dairy farmers can cast their vote, the way they want, via their state dairy farmer organisation president...

Mixed scorecard on government and water (22 October 2007)

22 October 2007 Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) president Allan Burgess has welcomed the release of details on access to the Federal Government’s $20,000 Murray-Darling Basin (MDB) Irrigation Management Grant, but lamented their lack of consultation regarding the on-farm elements of the National Plan for Water Security (NPWS)...

Shop around for hay as supply increases (22 October 2007)

22 October 2007 Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) president Allan Burgess has encouraged dairy farmers to shop around for hay as cereal and canola crops continue to be cut and baled across southern Australia...

Dairy farmers welcome additional drought support (26 September 2007)

26 September 2007 Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) president Allan Burgess welcomed the additional drought support that was announced by the Prime Minister yesterday...

Grain and fodder outlook important for dairy farmers (31 August 2007)

31 August 2007 A dry winter and recent warm weather in some key agricultural regions has again placed the dairy industry in a very tight feed supply position according to Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) president Allan Burgess...

Farmers had water answers (25 July 2007)

25 July 2007 Farmers should be disappointed that the talks between the Federal and State Governments on the National Plan for Water Security have been called off, as Australian Dairy Farmers believes that a workable way forward had been identified...

Dry gullies in Canberra (21 June 2007)

21 June 2007 Getting significant additional drought support from Canberra has been like trying to pump water from a dry gully and recent announcements from the Prime Minister about assistance provide little for dairy farmers in the southern Murray-Darling Basin. ADF president Allan Burgess said that there are about 2,700 dairy farm businesses in the basin and all had been severely affected by the drought...

ADF welcomes support for drought forums (16 May 2007)

16 May 2007 Meeting in Melbourne today as part of the ADF Board, state dairy farmer organisation presidents welcomed the Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Peter McGauran’s contribution of $400,000 to support the provision of an advisory program to assist farmers meet the ongoing challenges of drought...

Cattle industries meet with Minister McGauran on drought response (11 May 2007)

11 May 2007 Dairy and beef industry representatives met with the Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Peter McGauran this week, to discuss strategies to address the challenges created by the current drought...

Fighting back against drought (7 May 2007)

7 May 2007 Dairy industry leaders met in Melbourne this morning and agreed to support additional proposals that would help dairy farmers fight back from the effects of drought...

Water availability in the Murray-Darling Basin (19 April 2007)

19 April 2007 Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) welcomes recognition from the Prime Minister that confirms what our dairy farmers in the Murray-Darling Basin have known, that irrigation supplies will be very limited at the start of the next season if there are not substantial falls of rain prior to mid May...

Dairy service levy poll demonstrates the difficult times for dairy farmers (20 March 2007)

20 March 2007 The first ever levy poll giving dairy farmers the opportunity to vote on the dairy service levy has demonstrated the extremely tough times dairy farmers have experienced and will continue to experience well into another season...

Unity in environmental debate (12 February 2007)

12 February 2007 Australian Dairy Farmers president, Mr Allan Burgess, has said that urban and rural communities have been reconnected over the climate change and water debates, and has called for unity rather than blame as the issues are further discussed...

Dairy farmer leader calls for unity in environmental debate (12 February 2007)

12 February 2007 Australian Dairy Farmers president, Mr Allan Burgess, has said that urban and rural communities have been reconnected over the climate change and water debates, and has called for unity rather than blame as the issues are further discussed...

Managed Investment Scheme (MIS) decision welcomed (7 February 2007)

7 February 2007 Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) president, Allan Burgess, welcomed today’s announcement from the Australian government that it intends to remove distortions created by agribusiness’ Managed Investment Schemes (MIS)...

Australian dairy industry welcomes launch of comprehensive FTA negotiations with Japan (13 December 2006)

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Tradition of collaboration to continue under new Dairy Australia chairman (1 December 2006)

1 December 2006 ADIC chairman Allan Burgess welcomed the appointment of Max Roberts as chairman of Dairy Australia, and said that the tradition of collaboration in the dairy industry would continue...

Dairy farming families welcome supply chain support (30 November 2006)

30 November 2006 Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) president, Allan Burgess, today welcomed the support from other parts of the supply chain - consumers, supermarkets and dairy companies - for dairy farm businesses facing the high costs of drought...

Dairy industry leaders honour Pat Rowley (27 November 2006)

27 November 2006 The dairy industry’s peak body, the Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC), honoured Pat Rowley by awarding him the inaugural ADIC Outstanding Service Award at the ADIC Dairy Industry Breakfast in Melbourne on 24 November 2006...

New opportunities for dairy exporters as Vietnam WTO membership package agreed (13 November 2006)

13 November 2006 The Australian dairy industry welcomes the conclusion of negotiations on the terms for Vietnam’s accession to the WTO. Vietnam had originally requested membership to the WTO based on very restrictive access for dairy product imports – including increases to tariffs on most items and the introduction of quotas for milk powders. The Australian Government, working closely with the Australian industry, put forward alternative options for Vietnam and was able to demonstrate that a more liberal import regime would help rather than damage the Vietnamese dairy industry. This set the scene for the final package announced on 7 November 2006 which will not only confirm the current access arrangements for dairy under which trade has grown in recent years, but will significantly improve access for a number of key items...

Any dairy product price increases must go to farmers (13 November 2006)

13 November 2006 If major retailers increase the price of dairy products to help meet the cost of drought and underpin supply, they should reassure the consumer that the increased price is getting back to farming families...

Grain prices likely to remain unchanged in near future (25 October 2006)

25 October 2006 Dairy farmers are urged to check around with others before buying grain as industry leaders are hearing a wide range of prices quoted...

Government support is supporting families (17 October 2006)

17 October 2006 ADF president Allan Burgess said that governments in Australia had always supported people through disasters such as bushfires, floods, cyclones and droughts and that the latest support for drought-affected families was critical for their wellbeing...

In a drought every day is critical on a dairy farm (12 October 2006)

12 October 2006 Critical decisions are being made on a daily basis when dealing with severe circumstances such as those now faced by dairy farmers across Australia according to ADF president Allan Burgess...

Good news for China dairy heifer trade (12 October 2006)

12 October 2006 As a result of detailed negotiations undertaken between Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) and the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture, the pedigree requirements for Australian dairy heifer exports to China will remain unchanged for a further year to 31 December 2007...

Transparency in feed grain availability essential (5 October 2006)

5 October 2006 There is an urgent need to understand the levels of grain stocks in Australia to provide transparency of price and availability of feed grain to feed dairy cows in the current severe drought conditions...

Urban Australia must decide if they want the traditional farm (14 September 2006)

14 September 2006 Based on recent decisions of the Federal Government, the Australian community could easily believe that there is no commitment towards the Australian family farm...

Let's Get WTO Doha Round Back on the Rails (25 July 2006)

25 July 2006 The Australian Dairy Industry Council Chairman, Mr Allan Burgess, has expressed his concern at the suspension of the Doha Round of Trade Negotiations...

Dairy Farmers Support Level Playing Field (19 July 2006)

ADF President Allan Burgess supported the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) call for a level playing field in the area of agricultural investment through changes to the rules governing Managed Investment Schemes (MIS)...

Animal Welfare - it's all in a day's work on Australian dairy farms (14 June 2006)

14 June 2006 The Australian dairy industry has developed an on-farm resource kit highlighting its commitment to good dairy practices. The kit will be delivered to every Australian dairy farmers’ mail box over the next few days...

ADF Welcomes ACCC Announcement to Continue Collective Bargaining for Dairy Farmers (1 May 2006)

1 May 2006 The Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) President, Mr Allan Burgess has welcomed the announcement of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) that it has agreed to continue to approve the ADF being able to register groups of dairy farmers to collectively bargain with dairy processors for a further five years...

2006 05 01 (1 May 2006)

1 May 2006 The Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) President, Mr Allan Burgess has welcomed the announcement of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) that it has agreed to continue to approve the ADF being able to register groups of dairy farmers to collectively bargain with dairy processors for a further five years...

ABARE Gloom Not Supported - There is a Positive Dairy Outlook (8 March 2006)

8 March 2006 The President of Australian Dairy Farmers Ltd, Mr Allan Burgess said, “The future for dairy farmer returns is much more positive over the next five years than that portrayed by ABARE in their recent dairy outlook report.” “ABARE have not appeared to have considered a number of structural and financial circumstances impacting on the world supply and demand for dairy products that justify a more positive outlook.” “It is not surprising that the media headlines last week were providing a gloomy picture for dairy given the ABARE suggestion that “world dairy prices would fall in real terms by as much as 25%” over the next five years,” Mr Burgess said...

ADF Rejects Notion that Higher Debt Equals Bad Farmer (28 February 2006)

28 February 2006 Evidence from the dairy industry’s annual National Dairy Farmer Survey shows dairy farmers with relatively higher debts are more likely growing their business and are more confident about their future. Speaking about the recommendations from the recently released Agriculture and Food Policy Reference Group report, ADF President Allan Burgess said that the dairy industry totally rejects the notion that higher debt equals bad farmer. “We also reject the idea that interest rate subsidy (IRS) support rewards bad farmers and prevents adjustment.” The report does not appear to provide any evidence to support the notion that IRS is not effective or prevents industry adjustment. However, the dairy industry believes there is evidence that IRS has been well utilised in those areas heavily affected by drought and that farmers have used the IRS to adjust their businesses during their recovery from drought...

Australia and New Zealand Dairy Leaders Seek Shared Policy Approach (21 February 2006)

21 February 2006 Dairy farmer representative leaders from Australia and New Zealand have agreed to develop shared policy approaches to several of the major issues facing their collective industries...

Half Finished WTO Deal Disappointing (19 December 2005)

19 December 2005 The outcome of the WTO Ministerial Meeting in Hong Kong last week has been described as “disappointing” by Australian Dairy Industry Council Chairman, Allan Burgess...

Dairy Australia Board Positions of Vital Importance (11 November 2005)

11 November 2005 Voting in the annual Dairy Australia election of directors is of vital importance for the future success of levy investment...

New Appointments to the Board of ADHIS (20 October 2005)

20 October 2005 ADF is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Warren Miles and re-appointment of Mr Peter Stewart and Mr Ian Carkeek to the Board of Management of the Australian Dairy Herd Improvement Scheme (ADHIS). Mr Miles is a dairyfarmer from Calivil in northern Victoria and a member of both the United Dairyfarmers of Victoria (UDV) Central Council and the Australian Dairy Farmers Ltd (ADF) Board. Mr Miles replaces Mr Geoff Akers who held the position for the last two years. At this time ADHIS would like to thank Mr Akers for his service to ADHIS...

CSIRO Did Not Talk to the Dairy Industry (19 October 2005)

19 October 2005 The ADF President, Mr Allan Burgess, said that he is surprised and disappointed the CSIRO did not talk to the dairy industry prior to preparing and publishing its recently released report on ‘Managing Change: Australian Structural Adjustment Lessons for Water’...

Dairy Delegation Meets with Minister McGauran (23 September 2005)

23 September 2005 The ADF, as part of a dairy industry delegation, was pleased with the opportunity to meet with the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Mr McGauran, to discuss the major issues facing the industry...

Australian Dairy Supports Call for Doha Round Progress (6 September 2005)

6 September 2005 Australian Dairy Industry Council Chairman, Allan Burgess, today strongly supported a call by the Global Dairy Alliance for a break in the stalemate in the WTO Doha Development Round trade negotiations...

Trade Reform is Urgent Says Australian Dairy Leader (21 July 2005)

21 July 2005 Australian Dairy Industry Council Chairman, Allan Burgess, today strongly supported the call by the Global Dairy Alliance for real progress in trade reform...

Anderson's Distinguished Service to the Dairy Industry (24 June 2005)

24 June 2005 The Australian dairy industry congratulates Deputy Prime Minister, John Anderson, for his distinguished service to Agriculture and particularly the dairy industry...

Dairy Leaders Welcome Increased Drought Package (31 May 2005)

31 May 2005 Dairy farmer leaders have welcomed the additional drought assistance measures announced by the Commonwealth Government yesterday...

ADHIS Pays Tribute to the Life of Mr Eric Rowley (30 May 2005)

30 May 2005 ADHIS Chairman Allan Burgess paid tribute to Mr Eric Rowley who passed away on the weekend...

ADF Welcomes Continued Talk in Herd Improvement Restructure (20 May 2005)

20 May 2005 ADF President Allan Burgess has welcomed the on-going discussions in the herd improvement industry with efficiencies provided by economies of scale having the potential to improve service to dairy farmers...

ADF Meets with Coles Executives (19 May 2005)

19 May 2005 ADF President Allan Burgess, ADF board member and United Dairyfarmers of Victoria President, Doug Chant and ADF executives, met with senior representatives from Coles Myer yesterday...

The Australian Dairy Industry Welcomes China FTA Talks (9 April 2005)

9 April 2005 The Australian Dairy Industry Council Chairman, Mr Allan Burgess, today welcomed the announcement from the Prime Minister that Australia and China will proceed to negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA)...

A Backwards Step for Doha (20 August 2003)

The proposed “framework for an agreed approach’ to the current WTO agricultural reform negotiations recently released by US and EU negotiators represents a backwards step for the WTO Doha Round, according to the President of the Australian Dairy Industry Council, Mr Allan Burgess. Mr Burgess welcomed the willingness of the EU and US to engage in serious discussion on reform but says the proposed draft text is an inadequate basis for moving forward into the Doha Round discussions in Cancun in September...