12 February 2013

2 minute read

Oceania

“The current milk price is unsustainable,” UDV president Kerry Callow said.

The opening session of the UDV conference will examine the dairy industry’s complex pricing structures, which Ms Callow said didn’t allow farmers to easily identify the price received against their cost of production.

“Milk processors are looking for more milk to fill increasing international demand,” Ms Callow said. “But farmers will only produce more if they get a decent, profitable price.”

“What is going on with milk pricing and what does the industry need to change to deliver greater transparency and equity? These are the questions we’ll address at conference.”

The conference will also focus on the influence of international and domestic markets on how we farm, our land and animals.

“Exports are a price-setter for milk in Victoria, so it’s important to understand the barriers we face accessing international markets,” Ms Callow said. “We also need to know what’s happening on the supermarket shelf, not just with milk but all dairy products.”

Other topics covered at the conference include: the future research and development needs of the dairy industry and creating opportunities for young people in the dairy industry.

“As an industry we need to continually evolve to remain productive and provide attractive employment and investment opportunities for prospective dairy farmers,” Ms Callow said.

The conference will be held at the MCG and the UDV will hold its annual meeting prior to the conference on Tuesday March 5 at 11.00am in the Jim Stynes Room at the MCG.

To request and lodge a conference registration form, visit the UDV website http://www.vff.org.au/policy_issues/dairy_group.php or contact Georgina Livery on (03) 9207-5572 (email [email protected])

TheCattleSite News Desk