Suppliers and stakeholders heard from a range of speakers at the combined annual general meeting and Milk It For More event on Wednesday. 

Young Dairy Network co-ordinator Maddie Francis said the event brought more than 100 people together to hear about the market situation and outlook, as well as the services and information available.

She said “local hero” and speaker Julian Benson talked about how he had diversified his business to become a major tourist attraction in the region. 

“He’s proof of what you can do in a turbulent market,” she said. 

The Apostle Whey Cheese pioneer and dairy farmer advised others starting out to follow their hearts and ride through the tough times. 

“No job is comfortable all the time,” he said. “I look back at where I’ve come from and where I am now and I thank the industry for it. 

WestVic regional manager Lindsay Ferguson said the previous year had brought a lot of change for south-west farmers. 

“We’re confident in supporting farmers into the future with good support from Dairy Australia,” he said. 

Dairy Australia managing director Ian Halliday said Murray Goulburn’s step-up and pending review, Fonterra’s New Zealand milk-price hike, the recent rainfall, and rises in the Global Dairy Trade Auction were reasons to be hopeful.

“We’re not out of the woods yet but it’s a start,” he said.