THREE recent Dairy Industry Updates have provided WA dairy farmers the opportunity to learn about the latest developments in industry products and services, and gave attendees insights into the operations of the Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) and WAFarmers are working to benefit members.
The events in Boyanup, Metricup and Harvey this month saw presentations from Bell Pasture Seeds' Robbie Bell and Zoetis representative Michael Rose, who both offered valuable information about their products.
WAFarmers Dairy Council president Phil Depiazzi said the events were well attended and future workshops held promise.
"The most pleasing aspect was the opportunity for farmers to raise their own issues and concerns, with some excellent matters being raised for both advocacy organisations to take on board," Mr Depiazzi said.
"These workshops proved to be very valuable for attendees as they learnt more about how to get the best from their pastures and livestock and how this would translate into a more profitable, sustainable and productive farm.
"We look forward to holding similar events in July in the southern area of the State, so that other dairy areas such as Walpole, Denmark and Albany can benefit from this information."
ADF chief executive officer Ben Stapley said all three sessions emphasised the importance its continued partnership with the State's dairy industry.
"ADF provides WA and other State members' dairy farmers with a direct, collective voice to our federal government," Mr Stapley said.
"Whether that be on competition policy, tax policy, regarding drought assistance or trade agreements, we can and do ensure that WA dairy farmers' interests are taken into account by Canberra when it's setting policies that can impact on the viability of farms across all dairying States."
Mr Stapley said the best outcomes for the industry were delivered when the entire supply chain spoke with a consistent, clear and united voice.
"Our industry does this through the Australian Dairy Industry Council, a partnership where dairy farmers and processors work together to create a more prosperous and sustainable future by jointly advocating to government, industry and the community," he said.
"This approach is well-received in Canberra.
"Our advice from the ministers that we regularly speak to is that dairy's ability to speak as a united industry is critical to our persuasion."
Mr Stapley said the ADF looked forward to continuing to work with WAFarmers to deliver improved outcomes for dairy farmers and the industry.
