WAFarmers Conference Discusses Strategies for Dairy Industry Resilience

The WAFarmers 2026 Dairy Conference, held at the Abbey Beach Resort in Busselton, gathered dairy farmers, processors, researchers, and supply chain representatives to explore strategies for ensuring the long-term sustainability of Western Australia's dairy industry. The event focused on the theme 'Building a Resilient WA Dairy Industry,' addressing key challenges like inflation on farm inputs, labor shortages, and regulatory complexities.

Industry leaders highlighted the impact of volatile retail environments and international market pressures, which often result in farmgate prices falling below production costs. Discussions emphasized the need for robust farm-level risk management and financial planning to counteract these issues.

Technical sessions featured innovations such as virtual fencing technology and updates from the Agricultural Produce Commission (APC) Dairy Producers’ Committee. These sessions aimed to improve productivity and environmental performance across regional dairy herds.

The conference also recognized the contributions of Laura Stocker, a retired executive officer of the WAFarmers dairy section, who received the WAFarmers Dairy Council Milk Bottle Award for her advocacy and support for farm families.

Delegates stressed that building industry resilience requires a combination of technological innovation, clear succession planning, and strong supply chain collaboration. They called for state and federal policymakers to ensure that agricultural regulations promote a competitive business environment.