The dairy industry is on the verge of major structural change.
Takeover bids for Warrnambool Cheese and Butter could see either a new company enter the Australian market or a large Australian owned company formed of unprecedented size in the country.
Either way it is shaping up as a big year for dairy in 2014.
Katunga farmer Daryl Hoey is active in the dairy politics, he is looking forward to a better price this year.
«I think if we can have the Aussie dollar at somewhere around 85-90 cents and world prices stay where they are and nothing stupid happens in America or the European Union, I think it could be another good year of consolidation and promise.»
He says the United Dairyfarmers of Victoria are steadfast in their belief that Warrnambool Cheese and Butter should be Australian owned.
Chairman of Dairy Australia, Geoff Akers says the hype the takeover speculation has caused in the media is good for the industry.
«People have recognised they have a value and that’s certainly a positive for the industry.»
«The amount of interest from within Australia and from outside of Australia in those assets I think also should give us some confidence about the future.»
Despite the change, Victorian dairy is confident about a big year ahead.
Source: ABC