VICTORIAN dairy farmer Terry Richardson has been re-elected President of the dairy industry’s peak advocacy group Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF).
Mr Richardson, first appointed as an ADF business director in November 2015, was returned for another three-year term on the organisation’s board while also retaining the presidency for a further one-year term.
Mr Richardson first assumed the role of acting president in December 2016 before being formally elected President in November last year.
“There is not one day where I have not been rewarded in some way by this role and despite the tough conditions the dairy industry is currently facing, I am constantly reminded of the optimism that inspires individuals to share our experiences,” Mr Richardson said.
“I am committed over the next year to working together to provide a clear vision and purpose for the national dairy farmer body, to finalise our strategic policy and advocacy priorities, and to consider the structural and operational settings of ADF”
Mr Richardson, a long-time member of the United Dairyfarmers of Victoria (UDV), operates a dairy farm with his family at Deans Marsh in South West Victoria, where he has lived since 2004.
He has held several positions in the New Zealand and Australian dairy industries, including as a director of Kiwi Co-operative Dairies, consultant with Agriculture New Zealand, and as chair of dairy company Warrnambool Cheese and Butter.
Mr Richardson contested the business director position against northern Victoria dairy farmer and United Dairyfarmers of Victoria (UDV) regional councillor Daryl Hoey.
“I want to thank Daryl for putting his hand up for the position because it shows passion and dedication for the industry and I look forward to maintaining a constructive relationship with Daryl in his capacity on the ADF National Council,” Mr Richardson.
The ADF Board is comprised of four farmer directors – Terry Richardson, Simone Jolliffe, Bruce Donnison and John Versteden – and one independent director, Victoria Taylor.