The Dairy Farmers Milk Co-operative (DFMC), as a major supplier of milk to Lion, were advised that United Dairy Power (UDP) has successfully acquired the Murray Bridge and Jervois factories in South Australia.

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Dairy Farmers Milk Co-operative (DFMC) is increasingly concerned that the viability of the NSW Dairy Industry is under threat, based on Parmalat’s approach to securing raw milk to fulfil the Woolworths private label contract. "It is becoming increasingly more likely that NSW consumers who purchase their milk from Woolworths supermarkets will be drinking milk produced from Victorian dairymen" according to DFMC's Chairman Ian Zandstra.

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The contract to supply Woolworths’ house brand products recently shifted from Lion (formerly National Foods) to Parmalat. This contract covers about 110 million litres of raw milk and Lion had previously drawn on significant volumes from Dairy Farmers Milk Cooperative (DFMC). It is important that our members carefully assess any alternative supply arrangement from Parmalat or anyone else and make an informed decision about their future rather than hasty choice which may not be in their long term interests.

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Today, Dairy Farmers Milk Co-operative has written to its 320 farmer members in New South Wales (NSW) advising them to be careful in assessing any new contract offers from Parmalat to supply the company with milk in order to fill the Woolworths private label contract.

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Recently, Dairy Farmers Milk Co-operative (DFMC) became aware of the results of the tender for the Woolworths Private Label milk supply contract. National Foods, who are supplied by DFMC, retained the Woolworths Private Label contract in Victoria and South Australia however they have been unsuccessful in securing the contract in New South Wales (NSW).

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Co-operatives Australia has published its 3rd top 100 list to facilitate greater awareness of the co-operative option and demonstrate the economic and social impact of co-operatives, credit unions and mutual businesses.

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Today, Dairy Farmers Milk Co-operative (DFMC) said it was very disappointed with the announcement from National Foods that it was pulling out of cheese manufacturing in Victoria and South Australia.

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With its announcement of a one-off payment to Western Australian dairy farmers to help shield them from the impact of aggressive retail discounting, Coles has acknowledged the supermarkets do influence farm gate prices in Australia and confirmed their milk pricing strategy is damaging the dairy supply chain.

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Dairy Farmers Milk Co-operative (DFMC) has revealed that the realities of the milk market contradict the position of Coles supermarkets and its parent company Wesfarmers that prices for Australian dairy farmers had increased.

DFMC Chairman, Ian Zandstra, said prices for farmers who supply the supermarkets were actually in decline.

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Photographs taken at the 2010 AGM and National Convention are now available for viewing by clicking on the link below:

Click here to view the photos

Nine Dairy Farmers Milk Co-operative (DFMC) suppliers have reached a ten year milestone by producing milk for ten consecutive years without incurring any demerit points.

The recipients of the award will receive recognition for their efforts in producing milk of an exceptional standard over the past ten years at the DFMC Annual Convention being held at the Novotel Twin Waters Maroochydore on the 23rd November.

Congratulations to the following suppliers:

Day 1: FRIDAY

New Holland St Mary’s : New Holland gave a very comprehensive overview of the business, from products, R&D and marketing. A really enjoyable day with a high level of learning.

Day 2: SATURDAY

Auckland - Rotorua
RD1 Store:
Allan Crafar
Tamaki Village

This was a great day, loads of learning and laughs. We received an overview of the RD1 Stores which operate across New Zealand, and gained an insight into the company structure, how its supported by Fonterra for their suppliers, marketing strategies and much more. After this we drove to Rotorua and caught up with Allan Crafar , his brother Frank and business Partner Sam at his home, this was a very informal discussion and has been one of the most positive experiences to date. Allan is a much talked about farmer and to have had the opportunity to meet with him and gain first hand information has been very beneficial, and has allowed the group to make up their own minds about what they hear, it’s also very interesting watching people’s reactions when we tell them that we called into Allan’s place. Tamaki Village gave a great insight into the Maori Culture, a fabulous evening was had by all.

Day 3:

Robin Hopkirk, International Dairy Consultant.
Workshop: Stand up and Speak out

We had breakfast with Robin, who has a vet practice in Rotorua, quite an informative session. This workshop was amazing, the participation was 150% and the learning outcomes were far greater than I anticipated. Trevor (me too) is so proud of the groups achievements, and the development in each participant was incredible.

Day 4:

Lachlan McKenzie Federated Farmers
Cambridge Stud
LIC

Another highly successful day, although everyone is a bit tired from the previous evenings workshop. We did a farm walk at Lachlan’s, looked at pasture & cattle and had a very informative discussion about his role in Federated Farmers Cambridge Stud opened up a whole new field of thought. We were treated to an insight into the breeding routines of horse racing, received a very comprehensive overview of the business and met a couple of famous race horses as well. Additionally, Sir Patrick spent about 15 minutes with the group and talked about how he started the business with a small amount of money, shared his philosophy about debt ratio and management and his story about how he has become the leading horse stud in the world.

LIC spoilt us.. We received a comprehensive insight into the LIC company, the breeding programs and a session about genomics and genetics. We had a look around the facility which produces a high volume of live semen for distribution around NZ. We also had dinner with LIC who really seemed to enjoy the company and were impressed by the enthusiasm of the group.

Dairy Farmers Milk Co-operative (DFMC) has recognised that there is a strong need to develop the skills of our younger farmers to encourage them to actively participate in industry roles and to create strength in the youth of the DFMC farming community.

DFMC is offering an opportunity for five young farmer members to participate in the DFMC Development Program. The DFMC Development Program has been designed to give participants insight into the possibilities and opportunities in the dairy industry for members who have ambition to participate and be involved in the decision making for the industry. At the completion of the program participants will have a much greater understanding of how our industry works, how it compares to other markets, a new group of industry contacts and a clear path to follow to achieve their own needs and ambitions. The program aims to educate through “real life” experience, one on one learning opportunities and has a strong emphasis on creating and realising your own potential. The DFMC Development Program will help you develop the skills required to reach your own goals.

The Participants

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CLINTON VONHOFF

When Clinton finished year 12 he already knew that the only job he really wanted to do was to run the family farm. He works with his father on the family owned dairy farm and is steadily increasing his responsibilities.

Clinton particularly enjoys breeding cows, and for many years has competed in the Brisbane, Toowoomba and Gatton shows. He hates to see an ugly cow in his herd, and enjoys the challenge of getting the breeding right.

Clinton has completed a Certificate in Agriculture, and is a member of the Young Dairy Network. He supports local field days and workshops, and believes in the benefit of hands on learning from experts.

Clinton sees the DFMC Development Program as an opportunity to gain an understanding into the work that industry does for the farmers, and an opportunity to further increase his management skills.

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EMMA CHESWORTH

Emma Chesworth lives in the Dubbo region, on her parents' dairy farm. They are currently milking 650 cows, half the herd is milked three times a day. Emma is involved in all aspects of the family dairy farm, and has ambition to become a partner in the family farm.

Emma is keen to increase her understanding of how the dairy industry makes decisions about milk policies & pricing, and sees her future in the dairy industry being enhanced by having a good knowledge of how prices and policies are set. She sees herself increasing her own opportunities by becoming actively involved in the "industry side" of dairy.

Emma is currently studying for a Bachelor of Agricultural Business Management at Charles Sturt University in Orange, and has completed Certificate IV Dairy Traineeship. She divides her time between her studies, work on the farm, playing netball and attending local social events and the footy.

Emma has been involved in showing dairy cattle, and has competed in events at the Sydney Royal Show, International Dairy Week, NSW State Show as well as local shows. Emma also competed in the Junior Judging competition at the Sydney Royal Show 2007 – 2009.

Emma sees the DFMC Development Program as an opportunity to learn about how the industry works, how decisions around milk pricing and policy are made. She sees the program as a tool, to enable her to connect with the leaders of the industry who are involved in this type of decision making.

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TOM ACOCKS

Tom has spent several years travelling around the world, working in various industries gathering experience and ideas to take back to the family farm. He has learnt a great deal from being an employee, and applies this to his management role on the family dairy farm. Tom has a degree in Ag Science, a career that hasn't yet been pursued, however Tom utilises this knowledge on a daily basis to increase productivity and profitability on farm.

Tom works alongside his parents and was appointed to the manager's role of the farm in Rochester in 2009. He is currently milking 730 cows (at the peak of the season), on a twice yearly calving program. There are four employees and approx. 180 hectares of the farm are used for irrigation with a further 700 hectares used for broad acre cropping.

On his days off, Tom enjoys water skiing and wakeboarding, and makes the odd escape to Melbourne to catch a game of footy and spend time with friends. Tom believes that the DFMC Development Program will assist him with his overall management strategies, and will enable him to make decisions on farm, with a longer term view of the ever changing dairy industry. The program gives him the opportunity to look at different aspects of the dairy industry, and develop greater understanding of the process behind the decision making.

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ANNALIISA GERAGHTY

Annaliisa lives in Far North Queensland, on the Atherton Tablelands. She loves dairy farming and is a strong supporter of the dairy industry. She is a steering committee member of the FNQ Young Dairy Network and participates in the regional QDO meetings.

Annaliisa finished year 12 in 2009 and since then has been gathering experience on farms that have given her different farming experiences. Her strategy is to expose herself to a broad range of farming experiences which will assist with deciding what course to pursue at University, and will assist with her work on the family farm.

Annaliisa is very keen to take over the management of the family farm when her parents retire, and believes that experience, education and involvement are the key components to success and longevity in the industry.

Annaliisa has competed in athletics since she was in grade 4, and has received many state and national awards for her efforts; she has also competed in regional competitions in America. Annaliisa recently accepted a position on the Talent Identification Squad for Queensland Athletics. The program offers her the opportunity to fine tune her athletic ability and participate in self improvement sessions.

Annaliisa views the DFMC Development Program as an opportunity to understand the dairy industry from a global perspective, and an opportunity to further investigate different farming systems.

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NICK BROKENSHIRE

Nick Brokenshire is a third generation farmer in the Mt Compass District and manages the family farm with his father; they milk 300 Jersey cows. According to Nick, the Mt Compass district is the best place in the world to farm dairy cattle. He is doing what he loves and couldn't imagine farming anywhere else.

Nick aims to continue the tradition of being a dairy farming family, and this ambition has driven him to become more actively involved in the industry. Nick aspires to becoming a leader in the industry and believes that the DFMC Development Program will broaden his understanding of the industry and offer insight into the roles he can pursue in the future.

Nick is involved in local discussion groups and has completed a Diploma of Agriculture. He participates in many regional activities, and is a strong supporter of the SA Dairy Association. Nick is a strong believer in hands on education, and has gained a wealth of knowledge and working tools to apply to the farm business from attending workshops and field days.

Nick enjoys working with animals, and welcomes the complexity of working in an ever changing environment. When he's not on the farm, he enjoys playing footy, going to the beach, skiing and socialising with friends.

Program Documentation

The following documents provide an explanation of the program:

Click on this link to view the Introduction to the DFMC Development Program: Development Program Introduction

Click on this link to view a summary of the Development Program which explains how the program will work: Development Program Summary