Ella Credlin appointed 2026 Australian Dairy Conference programming chair

Ella Credlin, who milks 2200 cows at Ecklin South, says while it may be a one-in-60 year drought – there are still opportunities in dairy to be seized.

In dairy farming, opportunity can knock at the most unexpected times.

And such was the case for Ella Credlin and Jed Boshier, when they made their start in the dairy sector, amid the 2010s milk price crash.

“From a business perspective, dairy has provided a lot of opportunities,” Ella said.

“Sure, it has it’s ups and downs, but the industry has been very kind to Jed and I and when you’re passionate about something, it’s important to give back.”

The southwest Victorian farmer has been appointed the 2026 Australian Dairy Conference programming chair, spearheading the peak industry event as it returns next year to Melbourne.

An industry leader, Ella not only works as an agribusiness banker but also serves on the boards of WestVic Dairy as well as Food and Fibre Great South Coast.

Ella Credlin on her farm at Ecklin South. Photo: Zoe Phillips

Ella said she took on the work of programming the 2026 ADC because it provided an opportunity for farmers to catch up after one of the industry’s toughest years in living memory.

“All industries have their challenges, but being able to bring those to the forefront – having proactive conversations and networking – is so important,” she said.

“I grew up in Wycheproof and spent plenty of time in the Riverina, so regional and rural Australia is very much part of who I am.

“One of the most important things about living in a rural community is volunteering, stepping up, otherwise you can’t survive, let alone thrive.”

Neither Ella nor Jed had a dairy background before entering the milk market in 2016, when they started sharefarming with about 250 cattle at Curdies River, near Timboon.

But with tenacity and perspicacity, the family now operates four southwest Victorian farms, based around Ecklin South, milking about 2200 cattle.

“Things appear green but there’s still a long way to recovery,” Ella said.

“The way I see it, it may be a one-in-60 year drought or a one-in-100 year drought, but that will soon be behind us and there’s strong opportunities in dairy waiting to be seized.”

The 2026 Australian Dairy Conference will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre between February 11 and 13.

Program and registration details will be released in the coming months.