DAIRY industry lobby group Australian Dairy Farmers has announced that president David Basham has stood aside from the role to pursue other interests for a period of three months.
Interim ADF chief executive officer John McQueen thanked Mr Basham for his nine years of service on the ADF board and for the past seven months as president.
“This year has presented unprecedented challenges for the entire dairy sector and ADF has focused on laying strong foundations that builds resilience rather than leaving farmers vulnerable,” Mr McQueen said.
“David has been a wonderful ambassador to the Industry and we thank him for his service.”
Mr Basham operates a dairy farm at Mount Compass on the Fleurieu Peninsula and previously held the role of SA Dairyfarmers Association president until earlier this year when he stepped into the national role.
South West Vic dairyfarmer Terry Richardson, Deans Marsh, will take on the acting president role.
“We welcome Terry to the position, it was the logical choice and we are looking forward to his contribution to the industryon behalf of ADF,” Mr McQueen said.
Mr Richardson milks 550 cows with his family and was appointed as an ADF Business Director in November 2015.
“It’s an honour to be appointed, and I look forward to playing my part in helping to shape a sustainable and thriving future for Australian dairy farmers,” Mr Richardson said.
Mr McQueen said the team at ADF remained committed to providing targeted assistance for farmers and would continue to advocate strongly on their behalf.
