Dairy Australia: Championing the Australian Dairy Industry
Company Location
Dairy Australia is headquartered in Melbourne, Victoria, with regional offices strategically located across Australia to ensure a broad and effective reach within the industry.
Financial Indicators
Dairy Australia operates as a not-for-profit entity, primarily funded through levies collected from dairy farmers, with additional support from the government. The organization generates an annual revenue of approximately AUD 60 million, which is reinvested into initiatives such as research and development, improving farm productivity, and marketing efforts to boost the global competitiveness of Australian dairy products.
Important Events
A significant upcoming event for Dairy Australia is the release of June milk production figures, anticipated to reach around 600 million liters, reflecting favorable seasonal conditions. The organization is also undergoing a leadership transition following the departure of David Nation. Recent market data from NielsenIQ shows a 0.7% rise in retail milk volumes and a 0.8% increase in total value to AUD 2.92 billion between February 2024 and February 2025. Additionally, Dairy Australia plans to nominate new candidates for its board of directors at the forthcoming annual general meeting to ensure the board retains a diverse skill set and perspectives.
Company Plans
Dairy Australia is focused on enhancing sustainability by reducing the environmental impact and optimizing resource efficiency within the dairy industry. The organization is investing in research to advance dairy farming techniques and promote product development. Expanding market presence is also a priority, with plans to strengthen Australia's international reach amid evolving global market dynamics. Despite a reduction in the number of farms from 4,163 in 2022/23 to 3,889 in 2023/24, Dairy Australia is actively working on projects like the Heat Tolerance Australian Breeding Value (HT ABV) to enhance cattle resilience to climate change. The organization is also involved in discussions about investment in DA services and faces challenges in securing funding commitments from processors. Insights manager Eliza Redfern highlights that trade tariffs have created unexpected opportunities for Australian dairy exporters, revealing increased prospects due to shifts in global trade dynamics. Additionally, Dairy Australia has been proactive in hosting informational webinars for farmers, addressing issues such as the impacts of rising fuel and fertiliser prices and supply shortages affecting petroleum/oil-derived products. The organization reports a 2.8% increase in production for March 2026, although the 2025/2026 season overall reflects a 0.7% decline. Dairy Australia forecasts potential changes in milk production, predicting a 2% decline for the 2026–27 season, with potential contraction ranging from 1% to 3%, influenced by geopolitical crises and disruptions in global trade lanes.
Dairy Australia's 10-year strategy aligns with the beef-on-dairy initiatives. The strategy, called “Calfways,” is supported by data from a pilot program conducted between 2022 and 2024.
Modified: 2026/07/10