2026 VFF UDV Dairy Conference
May 31 @ 5:30 pm – June 1 @ 9:00 pm
The VFF UDV Dairy Conference will be held on 31 May and 1 June 2026 at the Goods Shed in Ballarat. The theme is Uniting Dairyfarmers of Victoria – the future. With the welcome networking drinks to be held on the Sunday evening at Itinerant Spirits, conference and dinner on the Monday. The VFF Conference will follow, on 2 June.
UDV Annual Conference 2026 Uniting Dairyfarmers of Victoria – The Future
Monday 1 June 2026 · Registration from 8:15 am
A full day of thought-provoking sessions, expert panels and industry insights shaping the future of Victorian dairy farming.
MC: Kirsten Diprose
Opening Keynotes
8:45 am – Conference Welcome Bernie Free, President, United Dairyfarmers of Victoria
9:00 am – President’s Report Bernie Free, President, United Dairyfarmers of Victoria
9:15 am – ADF Strategy Overview Ben Bennett, President, Australian Dairy Farmers
9:30 am – Dairy Australia Strategy Overview Matt Schaffer, CEO, Dairy Australia
9:45 am – VFF Overview & UDV Policy Council Election Results Charlie Thomas, CEO, Victorian Farmers Federation
10:00 am – Dairy in Focus: Market Fundamentals & Cost Pressures John Droppert, Head of Insights & Government Services, Bendigo & Adelaide Bank
John will provide a clear, data-driven outlook on the forces shaping Australian dairy — covering market fundamentals, demand, trade dynamics, input costs and global volatility.
Panel One – 11:00 am Profit First: Managing Margins, Costs & Farm Decisions
This panel brings together leading industry, research and farm business perspectives on what really drives profitability in dairy — managing cost of production, strengthening margins, and making disciplined, financially-focused decisions on feed, inputs and farm systems.
Moderator: John Droppert, Head of Insights & Government Services, Bendigo & Adelaide Bank Speaker: Ruairi McDonnell, Technical Lead, Feedbase & Nutrition, Dairy Australia Speaker: Wolfie Wagner, Managing Director, agCAP Speaker: Bill Malcolm, Professor of Agricultural Economics, University of Melbourne
12:20 pm – Lifetime Achievement Awards Presented by Ian Morris, UDV Vice President
Panel Two – 1:45 pm From Policy to Paddock: Unlocking Technology for Dairy
This panel explores the role of advocacy, regulation and industry leadership in enabling technologies such as virtual fencing on Victorian farms — covering the policy and regulatory pathway to approval, what adoption looks like in practice, and the benefits and challenges on farm.
Moderator: UDV Vice President Speaker: VFF Representative Speaker: Dougal Purcell, Executive Director, Agriculture Sector Development & Services, DEECA Speaker: Ross Anderson & Bruce Vallance (early adoption perspectives)
2:45 pm – Your Milk, Your Decision: Understanding & Negotiating Milk Supply Agreements
A practical overview of the Dairy Code of Conduct and how it applies to milk supply agreements — helping farmers understand their rights, obligations and common contract terms to make clear, considered decisions.
3:35 pm – Next Generation: Bringing Young Voices into Dairy Advocacy
Exploring the perspectives of the next generation of farmers — what matters to them, how they want to engage, and how the UDV can better connect with and support emerging leaders stepping into advocacy roles.
4:00 pm – Resolutions Nicholas Ayres-Wearne
5:00 pm – Conference Close Bernie Free, UDV President
Start booking your accommodation now. Please see some options below.
Quest Ballarat Station | Ballarat Serviced Apartments – book direct using code VFF2026QBS (enter it in the gold banner) to secure the great rates.
Quest Apartments Ballarat | Ballarat Serviced Apartments – use the promo code: VFF26QBAL (in the gold banner) and this is valid for stays from Thursday 28 May to Thursday 4 June 2026.
The Provincial Hotel | Book directly to redeem the special offer for the event dates, and use code: GS2026.
Why not extend your stay before the VFF UDV event, and bring along a friend or family member who can enjoy the surrounds while you’re at our Conference? For some inspiration visit: Itineraries – Visit Ballarat