WAFarmers’ dairy president Brunswick dairy farmer Michael Partridge stepping down after four years

After four years, Brunswick dairy farmer Michael Partridge is stepping down from his role as president of WAFarmers’ dairy section. The fourth-generation farmer — who milks 700 Friesians on White Rocks farm with his parents David and Elizabeth, wife Leanne and children Oakley and Harrison — has dedicated much of his life to advocating for the dairy industry. Fighting the good fight is in his blood, with his father holding the same role back in the 1980s. But it was about the turn of the century when Mr Partridge ramped up his own involvement, sitting on several national and State committees — including Australian Dairy Farmers and the National Farmers’ Federation — advocating for a sustainable dairy industry and fairness within the supply chain. “You don’t plan to get involved in advocacy,” he said. “But if you start calling out stuff and thinking things should be different or better, you get involved because you say too much. And then you end up with a job.” And in the years since, he has played a pivotal role in effecting important changes across the industry. Involved in WAFarmers’ Dairy Council for about 20 years, he was vice-president to predecessor Phil Depiazzi for four years before taking up the reins in 2016 during a “heartbreaking” time in the industry when Brownes Dairy dumped four of its supply contracts. “That was a traumatic start because we didn’t have a home for four farmers,” Mr Partridge said. “The issues of the industry all weighed down on four individual farmers, which I certainly considered unfair and tried to resolve that situation.” The industry has since had some significant wins during his tenure — including the abolishment of $1/L milk and the introduction of a national mandatory code of conduct last year. After of nine years of lobbying by WA, Queensland and New South Wales industry groups, Mr Partridge said it was “extremely satisfying” to bring in the 10¢ levy, which he said made about 3¢-per-litre difference to the farm gate depending on how much milk went to those contracts. “Everyone in the State got something out of that, which was fantastic,” he said. However, he said there was still a “long way to go” in the fight for fair margins for both farmers and processors, and some form of market intervention was necessary moving forward. “I don’t think it’s a big ask and I don’t think the consumer needs to pay any more, it just needs to be a better distribution of the margins within the supply chain.” Mr Partridge and Mr Depiazzi also assisted in stopping the traction of the animal activism movement — which in 2018 saw a calf stolen from Mr Partridge’s farm — by hosting a “calm the farm” meeting in Harvey. “You’ve seen that die down and I think we played a big part in calling them out and ensuring no one got hurt and things did not get out of control,” he said. Taking part in free trade agreements, making “great friendships” working with dairy councils across the country, and revamping the Dairy Pavilion at the Perth Royal Show with Louise Cashmore have also been highlights of Mr Partridge’s time as president. He is confident Forest Grove dairy farmer and current vice-president Ian Noakes will continue to drive positive change in the role, which he will take on at the WAFarmers annual general meeting on Thursday. “I’ve had a decent crack at it and I’ve enjoyed it,” Mr Partridge said. “It has been challenging at times and rewarding at times. I’m frustrated that there’s a long way to go, but I certainly believe there’s enormous opportunity for the WA dairy industry. Ian’s ready to go and I’ll do whatever he may require of me going forward.” Mr Partridge emphasised the importance of farmers — particularly young people — getting involved and hoped some would step up to the plate to support Mr Noakes, who will not have a vice president on his flank this year after no one put their hand up to give it a go. “Farmers need to support advocacy,” he said. “I understand dairy farmers are very busy and it’s hard to find time for these roles, but if people want change, there’s no point whinging over the fence, get involved and do the whinging in the right place and try to effect change.” Looking ahead, Mr Partridge will continue to advocate for the industry and is looking forward to working alongside his 18-year-old son Harrison, who will be the fifth-generation to work the historic Brunswick dairy. “We’ve been farming the same property 135 years so that’s special,” he said. “I believe we’ve got a fantastic farm and if he invests himself, I believe the industry can offer him a positive future.”