Australian dairy farmers urged to seize opportunities to evolve businesses for the future.

Australia’s premier dairy event – Australian Dairy Conference (ADC) – is heading to the Gold Coast 12-14 February 2025 at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre with a challenge to embrace the opportunities that are on offer across the sector.

ADC 2025 theme is ‘The Opportunity of Milk’ and ADC 2025 Programming Chair Monique Bryant said the programming team is really throwing down the gauntlet and encouraging the industry to be aware and grasp opportunities at their disposal.

“ADC 2025 is all about opportunity – exploring, embracing and taking hold of what is on offer,” said Monique.

“Whether you are a veteran of the industry or an up and comer, there are countless opportunities to grow, thrive or evolve your business and we want our industry to take off the blinkers and explore these frontiers and possibilities,” she said.

“We are in such a privileged position as an industry here in Australia where we can be bold, adventurous and build multi-faceted operations with significant advantages over other farmers across the world,” said Monique.

“Our message in 2025 is to embrace the opportunities available to you – but as farmers we need to be informed, knowledgeable and creative in bringing those opportunities to fruition,” she said.

The 2025 ADC Program line up boasts big names, pioneers, experts, innovators and opportunists leading the pack to deliver another stellar ADC line up with sessions including:

• What 30 years in journalism has taught me – iconic ABC anchor /reporter & Author Leigh Salesexplores the role of media shaping narratives and relevance to the dairy industry. Leigh will then lead a panel to discuss the biggest issues in dairy featuring perspectives along the chain including Jo Coombes (NSW Chief Veterinary Officer), Ashlee Gardiner (Stakeholder Engagement & Issues Manager , Dairy Australia) & dairy farmer Mark Billing.

• Seizing the opportunities for dairy – Dairy Australia Chair, ADC Board member and Queensland dairy farmer Paul Roderick will frame the session before agricultural consultant Nathan Scott (Achieve Ag Solutions) uncovers the journey of dairy businesses who have found opportunity and success in a panel session with dairy farmers Clint Stephens & Brian Corr.

• Embracing net zero – Henriette Guldager (Denmark), ARLA’s Dairy Farmer Support Officer, will share the inspiring journey of how Denmark farmers are embracing change and transforming the future of dairy with ambitious targets to reduce emissions by 30% by 2030 and net zero by 2050.

• Rethinking farm transition – mindset and opportunity amongst farm transition with panel members young WA dairy farmer Lachlan Fry, NZ dairy farmers Don & Jen Stolp, and sharefarming mentors David & Penny Conn.

• Ultimate guide for structuring for success – Claire Booth – farm business structures, C.O. Booth Law & Advisory delves into the importance of business structures to make the most of your opportunities.

• Industry insights & practical solutions in quick fire 10 minute segments led by Greg Duncan, Dairy Australia featuring Rebecca Fing (House Paddock Training) on workforce development, clarity around carbon with Dr Richard Eckard, farm safety simplified, strategies for surplus calves with Andy Hancock and the importance of mental health for farmers and their families with Nuffield Scholar and Counsellor Sarah Crosthwaite.

• Are we innovative enough? Head of Science NZ Dairy Nico Lyons will paint the big-picture view of innovation in dairy and its importance in the future of the industry including a panel discussion of practical applications led by Dairy Australia’s John Penry and joined by Rhys Roberts of Align Farms (NZ dairy farmer). Oli Madget (Vice President Farmlab & Founder SA AgriTech Meetup) will round out the session on how cross-industry collaboration is unlocking new solutions.

“In 2025 we also welcome a new master of ceremonies to lead the delegation, Channel 7 presenter and media personality Kimberley Busteed, who with strong agricultural connections will bring a fresh perspective and outlook to the event,” said Monique.

“Musician John Schumann is also the special guest of the ADC Gala Dinner hosted by Rabobank, with the legendary singer-songwriter will deliver a moving oration followed by a live performance of his iconic anthem, ‘I Was Only 19’. This powerful moment will celebrate resilience, community, and the human spirit, leaving a lasting impression on all who attend,” said Monique.

“I really hope that dairy farmers across the country take some time to invest in ADC as a platform to explore opportunities, get out of their comfort zone and gather with colleagues in an empowering and progressive forum,” she said.

Join us on the GC for some sun, fun and celebrate everything that is great about the Australian dairy industry,” said Monique.

Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC) will be the central hub for ADC 2025 with plenary, social functions and extra activities including tours to southern Queensland and northern New South Wales operating from the central location.

ADC 2025 at a glance:

• 11 & 12 February ADC Pre Conference Tour
• 12 February ADC Welcome Function
• 13 February ADC Conference Day 1 & Gala Dinner
• 13 & 14 February ADC Trade Exhibition
• 14 February ADC Conference Day 2

Full program details are available at ADC 2025 Program