VICTORIAN dairy farmers will gather at the MCG next week for the 40th United Dairyfarmers of Victoria (UDV) Annual Conference.
UDV president Adam Jenkins said the conference was an important opportunity for dairy farmers to get together and decide priorities for the industry.
“Everyone knows how challenging the current farming conditions are with pressures of the dry season and milk price,” Mr Jenkins said.
“This naturally takes the focus off farmers, but from an industry perspective, we need to keep looking to the future, anticipating needs and planning accordingly.”
The conference will be opened by Agriculture Minister Jaala Pulford, with other special guests including Hawthorn triple premiership player Jarryd Roughead.
Events include a young farmer breakfast – which was popular at last year’s conference – and seminars on community perceptions of the dairy industry and growing the sector.
“The dairy industry is facing a number of challenges, and it’s important that we address these issues, such as infrastructure investment, and look at plausible pathways to maintaining growth,” Mr Jenkins said.
“Costs are rising and we have to deal with damaged roads, undersized bridges, and poor telecommunications, so we need to discuss ways of addressing these problems.”
The conference will also look at the future direction of the UDV and how members can be part of the changing organisation.
“The National Farmers’ Federation Streamline and Strengthen review and possible restructure has been underway for some time now, and could have major implications for the future of the UDV,” Mr Jenkins said.
“It is important that we update members on what that might mean for the future of their representative organisation.”
The 40th UDV Annual Meeting and Conference will be held on Friday 15 April from 7.30am at the MCG (Gate 3 access).
