Victorian dairy factions bury the hatchet after funding feud

Before the great split of 2023, dairy farmers were represented by the United Dairyfarmers of Victoria (UDV), a dedicated section (or “commodity group”) of lobby group the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF).

Then, in 2023, VFF members represented by the United Dairyfarmers group broke off from the federation to form their own independent group, Dairy Farmers Victoria.

Now, things have returned to the way they were, following a decision on Wednesday to again operate as a single voice, United Dairyfarmers of Victoria, under the banner of the VFF.

Why did they split? The rift began in September 2023 when UDV’s leadership resigned to establish DFV, citing “poor consultation”, concerns over constitutional reform and claims dairy levy funds were not being adequately reinvested into advocacy for the dairy division.

• A report by the ABC in 2023 detailed criticism of the farmers federation from DFV president Mark Billing, who said dairy farmers were not receiving value for their membership fees.

• 🗣️ "There is a lack of dairy farmer levy money coming back to the commodity to do policy development and advocacy,” Billing told the ABC.

• 🗣️ "There's around $950,000 of dairy farmers' money that is collected … and of that, $10,000 came back … to run our commodity group for the year."

Water under the bridge: On Wednesday, Billing said the issues that prompted the breakaway had “been heard and addressed”.

• 🗣️ “The VFF’s current leadership has shown a genuine commitment to ensuring dairy has the dedicated resources and representation it deserves within the Federation,” he said.

Under the agreement, UDV will continue as the VFF’s recognised dairy ward, with extra positions on the VFF board and dedicated staffing and budget resources for dairy advocacy.