About AFIA
What we do
Since AFIA was established in 1996 our network of members, sponsors, supporters and engaged participants has worked to help the fodder industry grow. Our organisation strives to share information, address market and trade issues, promote research and development and engage with all fodder end users to understand issues, needs and ultimately provide a positive business operating environment. We are a central hub connecting the supply chain across agriculture sectors, industry and governments.
The fodder industry is one of the most important industries in Australian agriculture, underpinning production in dairy, livestock, horticulture and other intensive industries.
In addition to a domestic focus, the Australian industry is now a significant contributor to Australian exports, with fodder products exported to China, Japan, Taiwan, Korea and the Middle East.
The Australian Fodder Industry Association (AFIA) is the independent, peak national body for the Australia’s fodder industry.
Since its establishment, AFIA has supported the growth of the sector through:
- the generation and analysis of industry data;
- hosting events to support connections, learning, engagement and information sharing;
- engagement in research and development (R&D) priorities; and
- industry advocacy to ensure a positive operating environment both locally and globally.
AFIA Board of Directors
Louis Kelly
CHAIR
Appointed 2020
Louis has farmed at Jerilderie for four decades. He has been involved with AFIA since its inception, and is a past Fodder Care Committee member.
His farming endeavours include: growing summer and winter crops along with livestock production.
Specialises in hay growing and contracting.
Phil Snowden
SECRETARY
Appointed 2022
Phil along with his wife Lynda & son Tim have been farming near Tocumwal since 1990. They operate a mixed irrigated farm specialising in lucerne hay production. They invented Hay Caps in 2006 and manufacture them on farm.
Phil is a foundation member Australian Fodder Industry Association & a sponsor with his Hay Cap business. Phil is proud of the benefits Hay Caps have given to the industry. He is currently a director of Murray Irrigation and the National Irrigators Council. He is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the Peter Cullen Trust Science to Policy Leadership Program.
Phil is passionate about farming in their region. With the next generation now involved in the farm business Phil wants to focus on having it viable and sustainable for future generations.
Frank McRae
TREASURER
Appointed 2010
Frank has 40 years experience with dryland cropping, lamb and beef production. He has spent 29 years with NSW DPI as an Extension Agronomist and Technical Specialist Cereals. In August 2010 Frank joined Auswest Seeds as a Product Development Manager for pasture and forage crops.
Frank has a Bachelor of Rural Science (Hons) – University of New England and a Graduate Certificate in Marketing – Charles Sturt University. Frank is a Director of the Bathurst and Orange Harness Racing Clubs and is Treasurer of Grasslands Society of NSW.
Jason Palmer
Vice Chair
Appointed 2019
Jason runs Palmer Agricon in partnership with his parents which mainly consists of an irrigated farming business that produces irrigated lucerne hay and cereal crops, a silage contracting business and most recently, a beef feedlot.
Jason has been working full time in the fodder industry since 2003. He is especially interested in current affairs within the agricultural industry as well as the future of farming.
Alex Peacock
DIRECTOR
Appointed 2022
Alex has been involved in the agricultural industry for over 35 years, having started his career share farming with his wife Sandra, and then moving into transport and hay contracting.
Alex and Sandra started their own transport company which is now Australia-wide, transporting hay, grain, agricultural machinery and defence equipment across the country. When it comes to contracting, Alex produces hay for both the domestic and export markets, as well as growing hay, grains and legumes on his own farm.
Tim Ford
DIRECTOR
Appointed 2024 (Casual Vacancy)
Tim has previously been on the AFIA board (2002-2005) and has been involved with the agriculture sector in various roles for over 20 years.
Tim is the Founder and Director of Feed Central as well as a primary producer of hay via the Toowoomba Hay Farm in the Darling Downs region of Queensland. Tim holds a Bachelor of Business (Agribusiness) from the University of Queensland and has completed the ARLP Agribusiness Leadership Program, the QDPI Building Rural Leaders Program and The Right Mind Rural Leadership Program.
AFIA Staff
Vanessa Curtis
Industry Marketing & Engagement Manager
She is experienced in leading and empowering multidisciplinary teams, strategy development and implementation, market analysis and audience identification, loyalty/corporate program design and management, account management and corporate communications to enable business transformation and growth.
Outside of office hours, Vanessa co-owns and runs Australia’s only 100% off-grid and emissions-free Distillery Door based in the Heathcote wine region of Victoria, is a board member of Heathcote Tourism & Development, and is a mentor with Fitted for Work.
Karen Radcliffe
Finance Manager
With her husband Brett, son Jack and brother in-law Colin, Karen is running over 9000 acres near Kerang in Victoria. Across irrigation and dryland farms, they produce hay, grain and legumes for both domestic and export markets, as well as run an excavation business. Karen has been managing the business finances and administration of the family’s three entities since 2000.
In addition to her roles with the family business, Karen has taken on the role of treasurer for various community and industry groups over the years, including an ongoing treasurer role with a local farming syndicate. She has also been an active member of the AFIA community since 2004.
Larissa Mullot
Media Officer
Larissa provides communication support for AFIA’s activities including both traditional and social media.
Larissa brings extensive experience as a communication professional working across agricultural, science and environmental contexts, including international science and agriculture.
Constitution
AFIA is a not for profit company limited by guarantee under the Corporations Act 2001.
The History of AFIA
In 2013/14 a dedicated group of founding AFIA members got together and compiled “The History of AFIA”.
AFIA Strategic Plan 2022 – 2025
For more information please contact AFIA: [email protected]
Annual General Meetings
2024 AGM
Members of the Australian Fodder Industry Association (ACN 131 678 727) are advised that an Annual General Meeting of members will be held as part of the 25 National Fodder Conference in July 2024 as follows:
Time: TBC
Date: Thursday, 25 July 2024
Place: Pacific Bay Resort, Cnr Pacific Hwy & Bay Dr, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450
2023 AGM
The Australian Fodder Industry Association (AFIA) 2023 Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held in association with the 2023 National Fodder Conference on Thursday, 17 August 2023, at the All Seasons Resort Hotel, 171-183 McIvor Highway in Strathdale, Bendigo.
2022 AGM
The Australian Fodder Industry Association (AFIA) 2022 Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held in association with the 2022 National Fodder Conference on Tuesday 26 July 2022, at the Empire Theatre, 56 Neil Street, Toowoomba, Queensland.
2021 AGM
The Australian Fodder Industry Association (AFIA) 2021 Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held on the evening of Thursday 30 September 2021.
WATCH: https://youtu.be/EXXyuxVfk9M