Program Committee Chair Ben Geard returned home to the family farm in 2003 after completing an Advanced Diploma of Farm Business Management at Marcus Oldham College. He is now managing partner in the 4200ha mixed farming operation located in southern Tasmania. Central to the business is the 320 head irrigated dairy farm, milking year round and home to Green Glory Holsteins. Ben is married to Natalie, and they have two young children Isobel and Leila.

Carlene Dowie is an award-winning journalist and associate editor of Australia’s leading dairy farming publication, The Australian Dairyfarmer. She has had more than 25 years experience as a rural and regional journalist and has a passion for communicating information that farmers want in a clear, concise fashion.

Ron Paynter is managing partner of Paynter Farms at Ellinbank, Victoria. As well as overseeing the 380 head dairy operation, Ron has worked extensively across many areas of dairy R,D & E in an industry consultative capacity. He is currently UDV Deputy President and Board Member of ADF.

Scott Price is the Regional Manager Rural, for Rabobank for the Gippsland region. As well as looking after selected farmers across the region, the role manages the 16 staff, 3 branches and the greater Rabobank business, within Gippsland. Scott has 26 yrs of banking and finance experience.

Bernard Baxter is a former dairy farmer now dairy farm owner joined Dairy Australia as the Industry Relations Manager in April 2010. This national engagement role is responsible for important two-way communication at the coal face between farmers and industry R, D and E.

Ruth Kydd works with family members in managing their 1100 cow dairy business in the irrigation area of southern New South Wales. Industry involvement takes up most of her spare time, including roles with NSW Farmers Dairy Committee and Australian Dairy Farmers.

Rebecca Gell is the herd and farm manager on Terry and Pauline Hehir's organic dairy farm in Victoria. As well as managing 700 cows, Bec is continually increasing her involvement in the industry, recently representing Organic Dairy Farmers Co-operative in Canada and participating in the Developing Dairy Leaders Program. She has also completed a Bachelor of Agricultural Science.

Andrew Aldridge is currently share farming 380 cows in North Eastern Tasmania. Over the last ten years he has had a broad range of experience within the dairy industry, both as a service provider through to share farming 1100 cows.

Matt Cropley is a managing partner in Matkar Pastoral with his partner Karlie, based at Nambrok Victoria, where they are running a 650 head dairy herd. As a young farmer Matt is heavily involved in the local very successful Young Dairy Development Program, being chairman for the last 4 years. As a born and bred Gippslander, Matt is keen on helping showcase the region.

Virginia Ewing - In partnership with husband Simon she runs "Swonbank Farm" milking 280 cows at Kalangadoo in South Australia. Virginia has been on many dairy committees and boards and has represented Australia twice at the International Forum for Women in Dairying.