Ben Bennett: A Pioneering Force in the Australian Dairy Industry
Originally from New Zealand, Ben Bennett has established himself as a formidable presence in the Australian dairy sector since relocating in the 1990s. Over the past 25 years, he has been recognized for his steadfast commitment to sustainability and innovation.
Current Role
As the President of Australian Dairy Farmers, Bennett is instrumental in advocating for policies that enhance the sustainability and profitability of the dairy industry. His role involves close collaboration with government entities and industry stakeholders to implement strategic initiatives that promote best practices and expand market access.
Significant Achievements and Events
Bennett was recently re-elected unanimously for another two-year term, a testament to the trust and confidence placed in him by the dairy community. Under his leadership, he has spearheaded initiatives aimed at modernizing farming practices and fostering innovation, thereby ensuring the industry's resilience in the face of economic and environmental challenges.
As Chair of the Australian Dairy Industry Council, Bennett has been pivotal in advocating for crisis relief and investments in water infrastructure. He has consistently tackled pricing structure issues, pushing for reforms to secure fair pricing for farmers and highlighting the risks posed by industry mergers to farmgate prices.
Bennett has emphasized the importance of fair regulation to protect the industry and has commended federal MPs for their engagement with farmers' concerns, advocating for a more responsive government support system. He has also pointed out the necessity for supermarkets to pass on milk price increases to address financial imbalances caused by discounting practices.
Furthermore, Bennett has praised Norco's proactive approach, describing it as a "fantastic" result that underscores the benefits of farmer cooperatives. He highlighted the power of unified industry action and noted that governmental responsiveness provides essential certainty for family-owned farms, allowing them to plan for the future with confidence.
Bennett has also been vocal about the quality of imported butter, criticizing it as inferior and accusing Woolworths of undermining the Australian dairy industry.
Modified: 2025/11/23