Ben Bennett: A Pioneering Force in the Australian Dairy Industry

Name: Ben Bennett

Position: President at Australian Dairy Farmers

Biography

Originally from New Zealand, Ben Bennett moved to Australia in the 1990s to seize opportunities in the rapidly expanding dairy sector. Over the past 25 years, he has emerged as a key figure in the industry, renowned for his commitment to sustainability and innovation. Bennett's career is distinguished by his dedication to enhancing the sector's profitability and global competitiveness through strategic collaboration with various stakeholders.

Current Role

In his role as President of Australian Dairy Farmers, Ben Bennett plays a pivotal role in advocating for policies that bolster the sustainability and profitability of the dairy industry. He works closely with government entities and industry stakeholders to implement strategies that promote best practices and broaden market access.

Significant Achievements and Events

Recently, Bennett was unanimously re-elected for another two-year term, reflecting the confidence and trust placed in him by the dairy community. He has been at the forefront of initiatives aimed at modernizing farming practices and fostering innovation, ensuring the industry's resilience in the face of economic and environmental challenges. As Chair of the Australian Dairy Industry Council, he has been instrumental in advocating for crisis relief and investments in water infrastructure.

Bennett has also tackled issues related to pricing structures, advocating for reforms to secure fair pricing for farmers and pointing out the risks to farmgate prices due to industry mergers. He stresses the importance of fair regulation for the protection of the industry and has commended federal MPs for their engagement with farmers' concerns, emphasizing the need for a more responsive government support system.

Moreover, Bennett has highlighted the necessity for supermarkets to pass on milk price increases to help offset the financial imbalances caused by discounting practices. According to Bennett, there remains a disconnect between policymakers and farmers enduring hardships on the ground, despite ongoing dialogue over the past year.

Modified: 2025/09/22