The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) announced the reunification of Victoria’s dairy farmer representation, with United Dairyfarmers of Victoria (UDV) to once again operate as the single, unified voice for the state’s dairy industry within the VFF structure.
The agreement follows extensive discussions between Dairy Farmers Victoria (DFV), UDV and VFF leadership, resolving longstanding concerns about resourcing and representation for Victoria’s dairy sector. The reunified body will benefit from the VFF’s renewed commitment to commodity-specific advocacy, with dedicated staffing and budget resources to effectively serve dairy farmer members.
UDV Acting President Ian Morris welcomed the announcement as a significant step forward for the industry.
“Dairy farmers have been clear that they want one strong, united voice advocating on their behalf,” Mr Morris said.
“This reunification means Victorian dairy farmers will now have powerful representation at both the state level through the VFF, and nationally through our membership of Australian Dairy Farmers.”
“By working together across the sector we will be better positioned to tackle the challenges facing our industry, from fair pricing and processor relations to water security and drought support.”
“The arrangements have been settled within the existing VFF constitutional framework, with UDV continuing as the VFF’s recognised dairy commodity group in its existing form.”
DFV President Mark Billing said the reunification marked a new chapter for Victorian dairy.
“This outcome demonstrates that when we work together constructively, we can achieve outcomes that benefit all dairy farmers,” Mr Billing said.
“The concerns that led to the formation of DFV have been heard and addressed. The VFF’s current leadership has shown a genuine commitment to ensuring dairy has the dedicated resources and representation it deserves within the Federation.”
“Victoria produces 64 per cent of Australia’s milk, and our farmers deserve advocacy that matches our importance to the national industry. This reunification will deliver exactly that.”
The reunified dairy body will operate as a commodity group within the VFF, benefiting from the VFF’s decision to strengthen resourcing for dairy-specific advocacy while also contributing to broader agricultural policy through the Federation.
Today’s announcement follows the appointment of Corrie Goodwin as Executive of UDV. Corrie will lead implementation of the UDV’s advocacy priorities as set by its Policy Council.
The DFV entity, while stepping back from public advocacy, will apply its existing resources to industry good activities including farm safety and wellbeing and other projects to benefit the Victorian dairy industry. This work will be undertaken in memory of Brad Collins, a member of the DFV’s Committee who passed in a farm accident earlier this month.
DFV members will be eligible to join and stand for elected positions within VFF/UDV in upcoming elections, with the UDV Council expanding from 6 to 10 members.
“With a stronger, unified voice now in place and new positions becoming available, now is the time for dairy farmers across Victoria to join and put their hand up to be involved,” Mr Morris concluded.
Nominations will open in March 2026.
