April 21 2011
The mysteries of the Tasmanian dairy industry revealed
Do you suspect you are the only one who doesn’t understand how Tasmania’s dairy industry works and who does what?
Dairy farmers from throughout the Far North West, whether members of the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association or not, are invited to attend a meeting of the Circular Head branch next Wednesday night (April 27) for a question and answer session with the industry leadership on everything they have wanted to know but have not been game to ask.
For example:
• what is the difference in the roles of the TFGA Dairy Council and DairyTas?
• what is DairyTas?
• who decides milk prices?
• what’s in it for me if I decide to join the TFGA?
“We know they are legitimate questions that deserve answers. There is confusion within the industry,” TFGA chief executive Jan Davis said today.
“Circular Head has hundreds of dairy farmers, but many of them are newcomers to Tasmania and to the district. They don’t know how industry representation operates. It’s time we filled in the gaps.”
For the record, DairyTas is responsible for research and development in the industry, funded through Dairy Australia.
The TFGA Dairy Council has the advocacy role for dairy farmers. It represents their interests at the three levels of government; it argues public policy on dairy matters; it is the farmers’ voice.
The branch meeting will be held at Tall Timbers at Smithton on Wednesday April 27 from 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm. Speakers will include TFGA Dairy Council chairman Andrew Lester, DairyTas executive officer Mark Smith, TFGA president David Gatenby and CEO Jan Davis.
Supper will be served.