Limestone Coast farmer to lead Dairy Australia

James Mann  TBW Newsgroup
LIMESTONE Coast dairy farmer James Mann (pictured) has been appointed chair of Dairy Australia.

James Mann  TBW Newsgroup
LIMESTONE Coast dairy farmer James Mann (pictured) has been appointed chair of Dairy Australia.

Mr Mann – who operates a largescale dairy farm at Wye, south of Mount Gambier – was elected at a board meeting last week.

Jeff Odgers stood down early from the role after a temporary leave of absence following the tragic loss of his son, with Mr Mann serving as acting chair since March.

A Dairy Australia board member since November 2015, Mr Mann brings over 30 years of industry experience to the role and previously served as chair of the DairySA Regional Development program for over a decade.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to be chair at a very important time for the industry and excited to drive forward the strategy we have developed that is focused on the profit and sustainability of dairy farmers and the dairy industry,” Mr Mann said.

Mr Mann also thanked Mr Odgers who will remain a board director – for his significant contribution as Dairy Australia chair, praising his leading role in the development of the Australian Dairy Plan.