More than Milk – Building trust, value & legacy

Australia’s premier dairy event is shining a light on the forces shaping the future of the dairy industry – beyond milk production – to equip Australian dairy farmers with the insights and tools needed to navigate the emerging future challenges and seize new opportunities.

The Australian Dairy Conference (ADC) 2026 Programming Committee led by Victorian dairy farmer Ella Credlin is delving deep into what truly drives success in modern dairy businesses.

Ms Credlin, who entered the dairy sector through non-traditional pathways and has built a successful business of her own, says thriving in today’s environment demands a holistic, integrated approach — one that fosters trust, creates lasting value, and builds a meaningful legacy.

“Australian dairy farmers are among the most progressive, forward-thinking and inventive in the world, with enterprises underpinned by strong business foundations and acumen,” Ms Credlin said

“Dairy farming is about far more than producing milk—in many ways, that’s the straightforward part. It’s about creating a way of life that delivers value beyond the farm gate, from equity building and sustainability to constantly adapting to stay ahead of the curve.”

“To operate successfully today, farmers must balance immediate challenges with long-term vision,” she said.

“It’s about looking beyond the horizon while staying connected to the day-to-day operations, building trust, creating long-term value, and forging a legacy that benefits future generations.”

Comprising dairy farmers and industry leaders from across the country, the ADC 2026 Programming Committee has developed a powerful and thought-provoking agenda designed to inspire broader thinking and deeper engagement within the industry.

“A holistic approach for Australian dairy farmers is important to ensure that they – and the industry – are making inroads and advancements and not just trying to survive,” Ms Credlin said.

“Sometimes stepping back from the business and considering other approaches and outlooks can be a powerful tool”.

“For ADC 2026 we wanted to focus on a number of important areas including industry leadership, profitability versus productivity, rethinking the sustainability equation and getting the balance right for farmer health as we navigate new and unpredictable challenges,” she said.

“The ADC 2026 lineup is exceptional—from leading thinkers and change-makers to practical insights and inspiring stories from farmers at the forefront of innovation,” Ms Credlin said.

“I’m immensely proud of the program and the incredible speakers we’ve brought together for ADC 2026. Every session, every story, and every insight reflects the extraordinary effort and dedication of the Programming Committee and our team

This year, we’ve truly raised the bar — setting a new benchmark for what the conference can achieve and leaving a lasting legacy for the Australian dairy industry.

“I’m immensely proud of the program and the incredible speakers we’ve brought together for ADC 2026. Every session, every story, and every insight reflects the extraordinary effort and dedication of the Programming Committee and our team.

Check out the full ADC 2026 Program.