Bernie Free has been appointed vice-president of United Dairy farmers of Victoria

Mr Free was elected to the position on Tuesday and said he was looking forward to the challenge.

He said he was hoping to help achieve unity within the Victorian dairy industry and to get greater accountability back to grass roots dairy farmers.

"I'd also like to get more interaction between the dairy farmer that's milking cows and the rest of the organisation," he said.

"And to get better advocacy for dairy farmers at a state level and a national level through Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF)."

Mr Free said although dairy farmers were enjoying strong milk prices there was still obstacles facing producers including increased costs, labour shortages and government red tape.

"The price is good but costs are increasing faster than the milk prices are increasing," he said.

He said there needed to be better pathways for people to enter the dairy industry whether it be for overseas workers or Australian residents.

Mr Free has 600 dairy cows and has been farming for 30 years.

The vice-president's role is for two years.

"I'm looking forward to the challenge and getting the focus back on advocacy," he said.

IN OTHER NEWS

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content:

Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.