Victorian dairy farmer Ben Bennett has been appointed president of Australian Dairy Farmers and chair of the ADF Board.
Mr Bennett has been a director of the ADF Board for the past two years. He farms in south-west Victoria and has 13 years’ experience in management roles in the meat industry in Australia, New Zealand and India.
“As president, I fully realise there are challenges ahead for the dairy industry,” Mr Bennett said.
He paid tribute to outgoing president Rick Gladigau, who withdrew his nomination. Mr Gladigau will remain on the board as a business director after serving as president for the past two years.
“The past 12 months has been very busy for ADF with lots of change and big issues to tackle. Rick’s stoic leadership with Trade Minister Don Farrell around the free trade agreement with the European Union helped Australian dairy double down on its long-held position on the deal,” Mr Bennett said.
He welcomed the new directors to the ADF Board, Queensland dairy farmer and past president of eastAUSmilk, Matt Trace, who was elected at the ADF AGM, and independent director David Beca, who was appointed to fill the casual vacancy.
“Matt Trace is well versed in the regulatory and economic challenges facing dairy farmers, and is passionate about reform in the industry.
“David Beca is no stranger to the dairy industry, having an extensive dairy consulting business focusing on profitability in Australia and New Zealand. David is exposed to the full plethora of dairy farming systems, from pasture only to total mixed ration.”
Mr Bennett thanked independent director Andreas Clark and business director Brian Tessman, who left the board at the AGM, for their service, and Heath Cook for serving as acting president and chair of the board since the AGM.
The ADF Board now comprises: Rick Gladigau, South Australia (business director), Ben Bennett, Victoria (chair, business director); Matthew Trace, Queensland (business director); Heath Cook, NSW (business director); and David Beca, Victoria (independent director).