Current Dairy Australia CEO James Mann will retire at the AGM after nine years as a director, including four-and-a-half years as chairman.

“Paul’s contribution to the Board to date has been extremely valuable and I am confident that his extensive knowledge of and passion for the dairy industry will make him an outstanding chairman,” said Mr Mann.

“The appointment of Paul as Chairman-Elect ensures a smooth transition as we continue to provide services to farmers and work to develop Dairy Australia’s next five-year strategic plan.”

Mr. Roderick thanked Mr. Mann for his leadership and the influence he has had during his term as Chairman.

“James has made a significant contribution to the Australian dairy industry, holding a number of leadership roles over 20 years and championing strategies and activities that support the profitability and sustainability of dairy farms,” Mr Roderick said.

“I am grateful for the support of the Board and the confidence they have in me in electing me as Chairman. I am also looking forward to continuing James’ legacy by implementing strategies that will further enhance the dairy farming business and increase the profitability of our industry.”

Mr Roderick, first elected to the Dairy Australia board in November 2020, has run his family dairy farm in Harrisville, south-east Queensland, for more than 30 years.

He has held a number of positions within the industry including Chairman of Subtropical Dairy and was involved in the establishment of the Young Dairy Network in Queensland.

The terms of office of two directors – the retiring Mr Mann and Euberty dairy farmer Simone Jolliffe – expire at the general meeting, leaving two vacancies on the board.

Under its constitution, the board must have an appropriate range of skills and experience relevant to the nature of the business and affairs of Dairy Australia, with at least four directors being dairy farmers.

Both vacancies this year are for directors with qualifications in milk production.

“Following a comprehensive selection process, the Board Selection Committee recommended two candidates: Dr James Neal and Ms Simone Jolliffe,” said Committee Chair Alan Bell.

Dr Neal has been the Chair of the Dairy NSW Board since 2020. He farms with his wife and parents near Taree, milking up to 800 cows year-round.

He has extensive skills in agricultural research, development and extension, and holds a PhD in water use efficiency, yield, nutritional value and profitability of various dairy feeds.

Ms Jolliffe, appointed to the Dairy Australia board in 2021, has been farming near Wagga Wagga in New South Wales with her husband since 2000.

Ms. Jolliffe has nearly 25 years of industry involvement outside of her farming operations in local, state and national positions. She has held various leadership roles in industry research, development and extension, as well as advocacy and representation.

Dairy Australia members will vote for directors at general meetings or by proxy.

To be elected to a vacant director position, each candidate must receive a majority of the votes cast.

All dairy farmers are eligible to become members of Dairy Australia and vote at general meetings.

Farmers can contact the Dairy Australia hotline on 1800 004 377 or email [email protected] to become a member or confirm their details are correct.

Information regarding participation in the forum and general meeting, as well as voting instructions, will be provided closer to the date.

For more information on the director election process, go to: https://www.dairyaustralia.com.au/directorelections#.ZGGx8E9ByHs