A renewed focus on grassroots member involvement and supporter engagement has reinvigorated the Australian Fodder Industry Association (AFIA) at a time when demands on meeting the nation’s hay and silage needs have never been more challenging.
The organisation’s 26th Annual National Fodder Conference was recently held, delivering a fantastic fodder-focused event for the nation’s hay and silage producers, which was attended by 180-plus delegates and sponsors from business leaders, researchers, producers, contractors, machinery and equipment dealers and end-users.
“Producing fodder to feed the nation’s livestock has been very difficult this year with devastating weather conditions impacting production and the ability to meet the needs of customers, many long-term and loyal, across the country,” said Vanessa Curtis, AFIA Industry Marketing and Engagement Manager.
“This event represented a fantastic opportunity for our members, and those in the R&D pipeline and the broader supply chain to stay up-to-date with the latest hay and silage news, developments and technologies and to check-in with each other to refresh before getting stuck into another season,” she said.
During the conference, a new Board was elected at the Annual General Meeting, with a record 11 nominations received for the Board Director roles. There are plenty of new faces, with Rob Anspach (WA), Darryl Boyd (NSW), Harry Divall (NSW), Mark Green (NSW), Mark Harrison (QLD) and Gavin Schuster (SA) joining former Chair Louis Kelly (NSW) on the Board for the upcoming year.
“New leadership, strong sponsor support to shape mutual partnerships and member involvement to deliver a range of local and more personalised events across the country have increased the association’s energy and focus,” said Gavin Schuster, AFIA’s newly appointed Chairman.
“Following a shakeup of the organisation’s priorities at the end of 2024, the AFIA Board formally welcomed Vanessa Curtis to the organisation and she has brought considerable experience and energy to the role,” said Gavin.
“The recent formation of a member sub-committee has also tapped into the enormous wealth of knowledge and experience the organisation has across its membership, with the group working closely with the Board and staff to help drive new ideas and opportunities for the organisation,” he said.
As a result, this year, AFIA launched a series of ‘Hay Meetups,’ smaller, targeted regional gatherings, co-organised with locally based AFIA members to include businesses, speakers and machinery dealers relevant to the local farming community.
“I’m excited for what we have planned, and we look forward to further announcements and partnerships which will see AFIA’s network continue to grow,” he concluded.
AFIA’s sponsors are also excited about the future, with leading fodder machinery specialists including New Holland and John Deere continuing their long-term support and past sponsors returning to the fold in 2025.
“We are delighted to be back in partnership with the Australian Fodder Industry Association for 2025! We look forward to working with AFIA during the season as we combine forces to bring you industry leading fodder information, events and maybe a perk or two,” said Jack Wetherall, Sales Commercial Manager from Tama Australia, the industry leading crop baling specialist.
