THE Subtropical Dairy AGM was held recently at the University of Queensland, Gatton campus.
Subtropical Dairy is the regional development program leader for Dairy Australia for the northern dairy industry, and represents all 700 dairy farmers from Kempsey, NSW, to the Atherton Tableland.
Following their election by delegates, from all six sub-regional groups, they now have three new board members to join Lyn O'Connor (dairy farmer, Ravenshoe), Paul Judge (dairy farmer, Casino), Phil Chamberlain (consultant and veterinarian), deputy chairman Ian Hollindale (Parmalat) and the chairman Ross McInnes (dairy farmer, Harrisville) around the board table.
The new directors are Jenny Easlea from Dayboro, David Binney, a dairy farmer from Kyogle, and Dr Dave Barber, DAFFQ.
The board selection committee had a difficult recommendation to make from among the seven candidates of exceptionally high quality, and Mr McInnes thanked the selection committee for their deliberation and efforts.
In announcing these new appointments, Mr McInnes, the chairman of Subtropical Dairy, also paid tribute to retiring board members Tom Davison, Robyn Plunkett and Terry Toohey for their past three years on the board, and also for the time of Terry and Robyn on the previous Subtropical Management committee. They have each made significant contributions to the efforts of Subtropical Dairy in an array of projects over the years and will be sorely missed.
The 2011-12 year saw Subtropical Dairy record a trading loss, which reflects the finalisation of a number of projects. The majority of income of grant funding for these projects was received in the two prior years, resulting in trading profits for both of those years.
The Dairy Poll 2012 result has increased the Dairy Australia commitment to the region to $278,000 for the next 12 months. Copies of the annual report 2011-12 and strategic plan are available on request from Subtropical Dairy executive officer Neale Price.
The year ahead will see Subtropical Dairy and all industry stakeholders working together around projects to address dairy farmer needs under a title of 'Tactics for Tight Times' while continuing to work towards the goals set out in the strategic plan.
The group's future direction includes holding board meetings in regional areas, with the initial meeting scheduled for November 6-7 in Gympie.