Time to stand together: Dairy leaders issue urgent call for unity.

Australian dairy leaders are calling for unity and common purpose in response to a resolution by Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) to remove processors as Group B members of Dairy Australia, warning division will weaken the industry when opportunity has never been greater.

The motion, to be voted on at Dairy Australia’s 2025 Annual General Meeting in November, proposes to remove the Australian Dairy Products Federation (ADPF) as a Group B member – a move ADPF and State Dairy Farming Organisations (SDFOs) say does not reflect the views or priorities of the broader Australian dairy industry.

South Australian Dairy Association (SADA) President Robert Brokenshire said the motion, which was not presented to ADF’s National Council, risks deepening divides instead of building the cooperation the sector urgently needs.

“At a time when our industry is under immense pressure – productivity, import competition, soaring input costs, drought, floods and retail headwinds – we should be working together, not apart,” Mr Brokenshire said.

“This motion does not reflect the position of dairy farmers across the country, nor the collaborative spirit that defines who we are.”

ADPF Executive Chair John Williams said there were far greater challenges to confront than internal politics.

“Government is listening. Policy is shifting. Food security and sovereign food production are back on the national agenda,” Mr Williams said.

“We have a rare opportunity to put dairy front and centre – that’s the needs and aspirations of our farmers and processors – but only if we stand together.

“Division helps no one, not farmers, not processors, not consumers, not government.”

Dairy leaders from across Australia – including Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia and New South Wales – say the proposal to exclude processors undermines years of progress toward a stronger, more united and more valuable industry.

“We need to end the ‘us and them’ approach,” NSW Farmers Dairy Committee Chair Malcolm Holm said.

“ADF should be a voice for farmers, a voice for unity, not the source of conflict.

“This motion drives wedges where we need bridges.”

Mr Williams rejected suggestions processors had failed to contribute to Dairy Australia – a point ADPF had repeatedly corrected in public.

“Since last year’s AGM, we’ve met regularly with Dairy Australia, established a joint co-investment taskforce between Dairy Australia, ADPF, and processors, developed a financial proposal for this year to co-invest in initiatives that benefit the whole supply chain, – and we will then focus on establishing a long-term program and sustainable funding model,” he said.

“Despite being our advocacy partner through the Australian Dairy Industry Council, ADF never raised this motion with us. Instead, they’ve put that partnership, and our progress, at risk.

“Processors are deeply invested in the strength and future of Australian dairy, because when farmers win, processors win too.”

The Dairy Australia Board has not adopted a position on the motion, recommending the decision to retain ADPF as a Group B member rests solely with dairy farmers (Group A members). For any undirected proxies given to the chair, the chair will abstain.

The board’s explanation of its position states: “Group B members contribute to Dairy Australia’s governance… supporting industry initiatives and promoting unity across the supply chain. We believe a united and fair approach is the best way forward for everyone”.

Industry leaders agreed the motion distracts from the real work at hand. They say the message from dairy leaders around the country is clear: progress depends on partnership.

“While we argue about who sits where, milk supply continues to fall, farmers continue to leave, and supermarkets and imports continue to shape the dairy products on our shelves,” Mr Brokenshire said.

“The only way forward – the only way – is together.

“We urge voting members to reject the motion and keep the industry focused on collective decision-making, shared investment, and outcomes that deliver for all of dairy.”