Murra Warra cropper David Jochinke has been elected the new Victorian Farmers Federation president.
Mr Jochinke replaced Pyramid Hill’s Peter Touhey, who retired after a four year term.
VFF grains group president Brett Hosking, Quambatook, has been elected vice president, replacing Mr Jochinke, who grows grains and pulses at Murra Warra, near Horsham.
He said he wanted to strengthen accountability, within the organisation, when it came to getting back to members.
“I want to close the loop on a lot more things and make sure their voice is appreciated and heard, and keep them involved in development of policy.” Mr Jochinke said.
He said he hoped grassroots members would be able to get involved in the VFF more.
Mr Jochinke said the dairy crisis was an issue which needed to be addressed and even though the west was facing a good season, it had just come out of two bad years.
“You have to remember the grains industry is still recovering from two devastating years, as well, so we are wanting to make sure they get that crop home, they have got a lot of red numbers they have to turn around.
“Every industry, in agriculture, needs help in some way or another.”
He identified water as a key issue, to ensure both economic and social benefits were balanced.
“We have make sure to we start talking positively about animal welfare and making native legislation laws more workable.”
He said areas of native vegetation needed to be protected, but such actions shouldn’t affect farming efficiencies.
