Dairy Australia boss David Nation to quit in June

After seven years in the top job, Dairy Australia boss David Nation will finish up in his role.

Dairy farm productivity has remained relatively stagnant since David Nation took on the role of Dairy Australia managing director in 2018.

Dairy Australia managing director David Nation will quit in June, after years in the role.

“Leading Dairy Australia has been an immense privilege, and I am proud of what I have achieved together with outstanding people in the organisation who show genuine passion for delivering outcomes for farmers each day,” Dr Nation said.

“There are many stand out achievements that I will reflect on fondly, from expanding our presence in the regions and improving our connection with farmers through to strengthening our domestic and export markets.”

Dairy Australia Chair Paul Roderick congratulated Dr Nation on his achievements and acknowledged his contributions during his time as Managing Director.

“David’s leadership combined with his deep knowledge and understanding of dairy research and innovation has been a major contributor to the Australian dairy industry,” Mr Roderick said.

But United Dairyfarmers of Victoria president Bernie Free said Dairy Australia had done little to help lift farmers’ productivity and profitability over the past few years.

Mr Free pointed to a recent Marsden Jacobs’ recent report into dairy competitiveness & productivity in South West Victoria, the nation’s highest production region, which showed output per cow remained relatively unchanged and homegrown feed production was still sitting at four to five tonnes of dry matter per milking hectare.

Dairy farm productivity has been on the slide right across Australia.

Homegrown feed on South West Victorian dairy farms

Dr Nation joined Dairy Australia in 2018 with extensive experience across the dairy industry, including serving as Co-Director of DairyBio and DairyFeedbase and Chief Executive Officer at Dairy Futures CRC.

The Dairy Australia Board has engaged executive recruitment firm Pacific Search Partners to manage the process of hiring Dr Nation’s replacement, with the search expected to take up to six months.