Agriculture
11 March, 2026
Dairy farmers back with a united voice after talks
VICTORIA has returned to having a unified voice for the dairy industry.
An agreement has been struck between the Victorian Farmers’ Federation, United Dairyfarmers of Victoria and the Dairy Farmers Victoria.
The groups say long-standing concerns about resourcing and representation for Victoria’s dairy sector have been resolved.
UDV Acting President Ian Morris said the agreement was a significant step forward for the industry.
“Dairy farmers have been clear that they want one strong, united voice advocating on their behalf,” Mr Morris said.
“This reunification means Victorian dairy farmers will now have powerful representation at both the state level through the VFF, and nationally through our membership of Australian Dairy Farmers.”
“By working together across the sector we will be better positioned to tackle the challenges facing our industry, from fair pricing and processor relations to water security and drought support.”
“The arrangements have been settled within the existing VFF constitutional framework, with UDV continuing as the VFF’s recognised dairy commodity group in its existing form.”
DFV President Mark Billing said the reunification marked a new chapter for Victorian dairy.
“This outcome demonstrates that when we work together constructively, we can achieve outcomes that benefit all dairy farmers,” Mr Billing said.
“The concerns that led to the formation of DFV have been heard and addressed. The VFF’s current leadership has shown a genuine commitment to ensuring dairy has the dedicated resources and representation it deserves within the Federation.”
“Victoria produces 64 per cent of Australia’s milk, and our farmers deserve advocacy that matches our importance to the national industry. This reunification will deliver exactly that.”
The reunified dairy body will operate as a commodity group within the VFF, benefiting from the VFF’s decision to strengthen resourcing for dairy-specific advocacy while also contributing to broader agricultural policy through the Federation.
The announcement follows the appointment of Corrie Goodwin as Executive of UDV. Corrie will lead implementation of the UDV’s advocacy priorities as set by its policy council.