Please see the below information as provided directly by candidates for the VFF UDV Vice-President election.
Click the dropdown box to read the full statement:
I believed Victorian dairy farmers deserve strong, united, and accountable representation. I want to continue, with President Bernie Free, pursuing both the major internal reforms of VFF/UDV designed to reestablish a dairy farmer focused advocacy organisation with teeth and the respect of Governments and our peak advocacy body Australian Dairy Farmers. I have helped reestablish a stronger UDV, after the destructive turmoil within VFF, and worked to secure a unified approach to dairy advocacy within Victoria including constructive cooperation with ADF, our critical national advocacy body.
I have been clearly focused on, and progressed, specific critical advocacy issues including: (i) approval of virtual fencing; (ii) opposition to the restructure of Dairy Food Safety Victoria and the need to protect accumulated dairy funds; (iii) reform of water buybacks negatively impacting dairy in the Murray Darling Basin; (iv) how best to prepare for major animal disease outbreaks; (v) ensuring Dairy Australia fulfils its obligation to focus on farm profitability; (vi) support for the impact of drought and fires; and (vii) supporting farmers impacted by overdue milk payments from Frestine Dairy Australia.
As a Dairy Sustainability Framework Committee farmer member, I have tirelessly worked to ensure farmers have a practical voice in shaping the future direction of our industry.
I continue to bring energy, commitment and a genuine passion for ensuring dairy farmers are heard and respected.
I’m a dairy farmer from Larpent in Southwest Victoria, farming in partnership with my wife Sam. Like many of you, I’m living the realities of drought, rising costs, and the growing gap between milk price and cost of production. That lived experience underpins everything I bring to industry representation.
I’ve served as President of Dairy Farmers Victoria and previously as President of United Dairyfarmers of Victoria, as well as Chair of the South West Dairy Industry Leadership Group. I’ve been Deputy Chair of WestVic Dairy, chaired the Fonterra Farmer Forum, and contributed across national engagement with Australian Dairy Farmers and Australian Dairy Products Federation.
In the community, I’ve been a long-standing volunteer with the Country Fire Authority, serving as Corangamite Group Officer and working alongside local brigades through major fire events.
I’m standing for UDV Vice President because I believe we need strong, united, and credible leadership, leadership that will call out inequity in milk pricing, push for fair returns, and ensure farmers are heard.
I bring independence, experience, and a proven track record of delivery.
Most importantly, I focus on outcomes for farmers.
I’d value your support.
Cheers,
Mark