EVENT
2026 ADC Melbourne
Melbourne Conference & Exhibition Centre, Victoria
Explore activities and attractions during your stay at Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre.
Tuesday 10 February
ADC Pre Conference Tours
7.00am
Tour by Pioneer Seeds
Already a much loved pre-Conference opportunity to get on farm and check out different enterprises, ADC is teaming up with key partners for the opportunity to go further afield.
Overnight in Echuca with Pioneer Seeds touring some of Victoria’s most innovative barn solutions.
See 2026 tour opportunities for more details.
Wednesday 11 February 2026
ADC Pre Conference Tours
7.00am
Tour with Lely
Day tour with Lely to visit their robot milking systems the A5 Astronaut on two farms in Victoria. Departs and returns Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
See 2026 tour opportunities for more details.
ADC Young Farmers Function
4.30pm
ADC Young Farmers Function
A special meet and greet exclusively for first-timers before the official welcome. This casual social gathering is designed to introduce you to others, share insider tips, and give you a rundown of ADC’s key players. In short, we’ll make sure ‘newbie’ delegates are ready to network with confidence and fully enjoy the main event! Brought to you by DeLaval.
ADC Trade Show
5.00pm
ADC Trade Exhibition opens
In a change in format, the ADC Trade Show will open on Wednesday evening allowing delegates more time to immerse themselves in the latest dairy industry innovations, products and services.
ADC Welcome Function
5.30pm
ADC Welcome Function
An exciting lead-in event that kick starts Australia’s premier dairy event. Known for its high energy and lively atmosphere, this event will be full of dairy farmers and industry supporters from across the country, eager to reconnect setting the perfect tone to introduce ADC 2026. Brought to you by Mainland Dairy.
Thursday 12 February 2026
ADC Morning Milk Run
6.15am
ADC Morning Milk Run
New in 2025, the ADC Morning Milk Run will be back in 2026 hitting the Tan Track, Royal Botanical Gardens as an energetic way to kick off conference proceedings & connect with fellow delegates. Brought to you by Halter.
ADC Breakfast
7.30 - 8.30am
ADC Breakfast.
Brought to you by Phibro Animal Health. Join your dairy farming colleagues for an early start with breakfast and a highly engaging panel discussion and networking opportunity.
Day 1 Australian Dairy Conference
8.00am - 5.00pm
ADC Trade Show
One of the biggest trade exhibitions yet, come and explore the range of products and services for the Australian dairy industry. Grab a coffee, some great dairy products and catch up with colleagues on the trade floor.
Session 1 – Dairy leadership, collaboration & advocacy
8.25am
Opening ADC 2026
We welcome back MC Kimberley Busteed to Australia’s premier dairy event to lead delegates through two days of dairy discussion.
8.35am
Welcome to ADC 2026 - ADC Programming Chair Ella Credlin
Programming Committee Chair and southwest Victorian Dairy Farmer Ella Credlin.
In 2026, Ella and her Program Committee are bringing together the people, ideas, and innovations shaping the future of Australian dairy under the theme ‘More than Milk: Building Trust, Value and Legacy’.
The focus explores how trust, value, and legacy come to life across every corner of the industry — from leadership to productivity, sustainability, technology, wellbeing, and the power of storytelling.
ADC 2026 celebrates an industry that continues to evolve beyond the vat — one built on purpose, pride, and people — proving that dairy is, and always will be, more than milk.
8.45am
Purpose driven leadership - Su McCluskey
ADC 2026 opening keynote, Su McCluskey will draw on her leadership journey and extensive experience across Australian and global agriculture to share what impactful, contemporary leadership truly looks like — how it’s achieved, and why it matters.
Reflecting on her own path and the leaders who’ve inspired her, Su offers insights into the kind of leadership needed to move agriculture forward. Her address will motivate and energise delegates, highlighting the importance of stepping into leadership roles and the difference purpose-driven leaders can make in shaping the industry’s future.
9.15am
Unfiltered leadership: from the inside out
Moderated by Peta Credlin, this session goes beyond titles and politics to take a raw, honest look at leadership within Australian dairy.
Bringing together Australian dairy leaders Dr Matt Shaffer (Dairy Australia), Ben Bennett (Australian Dairy Farmers) and John Williams (Australian Dairy Products Federation), this conversation will explore who they are, how they lead, and the impact they make.
Discussion will turn the focus inward — drawing on the experiences of leaders shaping dairy’s direction today and reimagining what leadership must look like for the future.
It is not about policy or power; it’s about people, culture, and courage. Panellists will share insights, challenge assumptions, and spark an honest conversation about the leadership we have today and the kind we need to take the industry forward.
9.55am
Morning tea brought to you by Noumi – Q&A with speakers from Session 1 on ADC Centre Stage thanks to Noumi.
Session 2 – Profitability & Productivity
11.00am
How does Australian dairy stack up on the global stage?
Profitability may be rising, but productivity growth tells a different story. Dairy analyst Gavan Dwyer from Marsden Jacobs Associates will give us the low down on the newly commissioned international benchmarking report on Australian dairy farms.
Expect insights into how our industry compares globally, where the pressure points and opportunities lie, and what leadership and action are needed to strengthen profitability into the future.
11.20am
Milking it strong - Fiona Smith
Building on the big-picture view, we bring the focus back to the farm gate. Drawing on years of Dairy Farm Monitor Project (DFMP) data, Fiona Smith, dairy business consultant, will explore the characteristics of farmers who consistently achieve strong results. From decision-making to business practices and behaviours, we will examine what these farmers do well, and how their approaches can be applied more widely across the industry.
11.50am
Work smarter not harder - Jana Hockey
Lean farming is about working smarter, not harder – eliminating waste, streamlining processes, and focusing on what truly adds value. With a reputation across continents helping businesses become more efficient and sharper, Jana Hockey from the LeanFarm Project explores how Lean principles can improve profitability, reduce stress, and build more resilient farming systems.
12.20pm
Wealth beyond the farm gate - Tony Catt
Once the fundamentals are in place and the farm business is profitable, the next step is creating wealth that extends beyond the farm gate. Leading financial adviser and CEO of Catapult Wealth Tony Catt will delve into how strong cashflow can be transformed into lasting prosperity — through smart investment choices, diversification opportunities, and strategies that give farming families security, flexibility, and the chance to build a legacy for generations to come.
12.50pm
Lunch brought to you by Coles – Q&A with speakers from Session 2 on ADC Centre Stage thanks to Coles
Session 3 – Rethinking dairy sustainability
2.00pm
Sharpen your sustainability edge - Catherine Marriott
Sustainability is no longer just a compliance exercise. It is shaping markets, consumer expectations, and the future of food systems worldwide. For dairy, this means rethinking what sustainability looks like and why it makes good business sense.
Nuffield Scholar Catherine Marriott, one of Australia’s leading agricultural thinkers, will lead exploration of sustainability on a world scale and the rethinking of ESG as ‘Enabling Smart Growth’. We’ll examine the opportunities that arise when sustainability is seen not as an obligation, but as a driver of resilience, profitability, and trust, and how dairy can lead the way in building thriving businesses and communities.
2.35pm
The Power of Protein - panel discussion
If dairy is to be seen as a true protein farming system, then red meat must be part of the story. For too long, beef on dairy has been positioned as a by- product or a sideline opportunity.
The reality is different: red meat is a viable, valuable and integrated part of our protein business.
Panel discussion with those at the front line including McDonalds Andrew Wheeler, FMG Global Andrew Ralph and Semex Australia’s Vaughn Johnston facilitated by journalist Carlene Dowie will reframe the conversation — moving from “what premium can I get?” to “how do we keep value within the supply chain?”
We’ll explore what success looks like, the real story behind beef on dairy and why we must see ourselves not only as milk producers but as beef farmers too.
3.15pm
Global and national framework: Brian Lindsay
Brian Lindsay will explore the Dairy Sustainability Framework (DSF), focusing on its international foundations, evolution and global alignment, and how it underpins the Australian Dairy Sustainability Framework.
Positioned as a strategic, big-picture discussion to help delegates better understand how global sustainability expectations are shaping the dairy industry, and how these frameworks translate into practical, on-farm and business-level outcomes. Rather than a technical deep dive, it will provide clarity on why these frameworks exist, how
they connect internationally, and what they mean for Australian dairy businesses and the industry as a whole.
3.20pm
Afternoon tea brought to you by Lallemand Animal Health – Q&A with speakers from Session 3 on ADC Centre Stage thanks to Lallemand
Session 4 – ADC Dairy Innovators
4.00pm
ADC Innovator Award finalists
Sponsored by Gardiner Foundation, an evolution of the former ADC Young Dairy Scientist Award, opens the door to a whole new world of opportunities.
Now embracing a wider spectrum beyond pure science, this award invites innovative dairy ideas from brilliant minds across all ages and stages of their careers.
Whether seasoned professionals or just starting out, the finalists will be a delight to hear from and will undoubtedly inspire delegates. This is their chance to showcase research-backed or science-based ideas to the entire Australian dairy industry, capturing the very best talent and pushing the boundaries of innovation.
2026 welcomes five finalists Daniel Carson (Alps2Ocean Foods NZ), Meaghan Douglas (Agriculture Victoria), Tim Ford (Feed Central), Wei-Chi Lee (PHNXX) and Maid Khansefid (Agriculture Victoria / LaTrobe University).
5.10pm
Day One Close
ADC Gala Dinner hosted by Raboabnk
6.30pm
ADC Gala Dinner
Rabobank with Master of Ceremonies Kirsten Diprose,
Ducks on the Pond / Rural Women’s Network.
Friday 13 February 2026
Session 5 – Mindset mechanics
8.30am
Welcome to Day Two - Kimberley Busteed
8.50am
Maintaining focus under pressure -Jelena Dokic
In times of change and challenge, how we think can be just as important as what we do. In a compelling session with former world number 4 tennis player Jelena Dokic, explore the power of cultivating a growth mindset, reframing setbacks, and maintaining focus under pressure.
Jelena’s early tennis years gained significant media and public attention – and many times for reasons beyond her control. A captivating and remarkable story including inspiring insights into navigating uncertainty and how resilience and mindset underpin long-term success.
9.25am
Weathering the storm - Carli Phillips
Every farm faces pressure — from price volatility and dry seasons to public scrutiny and family dynamics. Yet while the challenges may be the same, the way people respond can be very different. Some are able to steady the ship, adapt, and emerge stronger, while others struggle to regain their footing.
Carli Phillips from Corporate Wellbeing Hub will lead us on the role of wellbeing in navigating pressures. By exploring the connection between mindset, resilience, and practical strategies for self-care, delegates will gain insights into how to support themselves, their families, and their businesses through the ups and downs of farming life.
9.55am
The human side of safety, why it truly matters
An emotional and thought-provoking story that goes beyond policies and procedures – highlighting the real cost when safety is overlooked. William and Marsella Edmonds share with us what is truly at stake when we fail to prioritise the wellbeing of our people: the lives of our employees, our families, and the communities that rely on them.
It’s not just about compliance – it’s about making sure everyone goes home safe, every single night. Because behind every safety decision is someone’s partner, parent, or child.
10.25am
Morning tea brought to you by Ridley AgriProducts
– Q&A with speakers from Session 5 on ADC Centre Stage thanks to Ridley AgriProducts
Session 6 – Tech & Innovation
11.15am
Ahead of the Curve: the next wave of dairy tech
Technology is moving fast — and the next wave of innovation is already on its way to dairy businesses. Agri-futurist, Aidan Connolly will explore the exciting tools and technologies set to transform the dairy and livestock sectors within the next 1–2 years.
From automation and data-driven decision tools to breakthroughs in animal health, nutrition, and sustainability, hear what’s coming, what’s worth watching, and how farmers can prepare to take full advantage of the opportunities ahead. Real, practical, and forward-looking to leave delegates motivated and inspired about what’s next for dairy tech.
11.55am
How AI can enhance your dairy duties:
Artificial intelligence is no longer a future concept — it’s here, reshaping how dairy businesses operate. Rachel Durie, Perrin Ag (NZ) goes beyond the hype to show practical, step-by-step ways to use AI and ChatGPT on farm: from analysing data and drafting communications to streamlining reporting and decision-making. Leave with real examples and confidence to start experimenting, and a clear sense of how AI can boost efficiency, cut costs, and strengthen profitability.
12.20pm
Dairy early adopters - panel discussion
New technology promises plenty, but how do you know what’s right for your business?
Early dairy adopters will share how they chose which tools to invest in, what worked, and what didn’t. We’ll explore the real decision-making process: the checklists they use, how they weigh financial and non-financial benefits, and what a cost–benefit analysis looks like in practice. From labour efficiencies to improvements in animal health, delegates will gain practical insights — and a checklist of questions — to help determine whether new technology is truly fit for purpose on their own farms.
Panel discussion led by Dr John Penry (Dairy Australia) with Jake Altmann (Dakara Farms, SA), Ryan Ashby (Compass Agri, Tas) and Matt Glennan (Dixi Park Dairying, Vic).
12.55pm
Lunch brought to you by Lactalis Australia – Q&A with speakers from Session 6 on ADC Centre Stage thanks to Lactalis
Session 7 – More than Milk
2.00pm
Celebrating Dairy – Farmers, trust and global competitiveness
Trust in dairy is strong today, but social license is never guaranteed. UK ag media commentator Claire Taylor has travelled the globe covering farmer stories, issues and campaigns.
At ADC 2026, she brings the focus back to the farmer: what do you gain from engaging consumers, and how does that shape not only local trust but also global competitiveness? Claire will explore how proactive storytelling and celebrating the value of milk can strengthen support for dairy, while ensuring our industry remains competitive on the world stage.
2.30pm
Dairy Adventures - panel discussion
Two dairy businesses share how they are breaking down barriers and building trust by opening their farms to the public.
Through on-farm tours, school visits, and hands-on milking experiences, they’re helping consumers see where milk really comes from — and why it matters. The conversation will explore what motivates these farmers to open their gates, how they handle tough questions about animal welfare and sustainability, and the powerful role transparency plays in strengthening dairy’s connection with the community.
Facilitated by Dairy Australia’s Glenys Zucco we hear from Narelle Zander (Founder Dairy Adventures) and Julian Benson (Apostle Whey).
2.50pm
Creating value beyond the farm gate - Simon Shulz
Across agriculture, producers and entrepreneurs are reshaping how consumers experience food — turning raw products into powerful brands and premium experiences.
From artisan foods and niche beverages to innovative, value- added products, this session explores how creativity, storytelling, and customer connection can transform profitability and build business resilience. We hear from Schulz Organics Founder Simon Schulz on how he has diversifyied, added value, and taken control of his story — building brands that connect directly with consumers and capture more from every litre, kilo, or acre produced.
3.15pm