Fiskville farmer lands new role

By Lachlan Ellis

A Moorabool sheep farmer has been appointed to a new role within the state’s leading farmer advocacy group, and says he’s keen to get started.

Scott Young runs around 2,000 ewes on his property in Fiskville, and was announced as the new Livestock Group President at the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) just before Christmas last year.

Having served as Vice President of the VFF Livestock Group since October 2020, Mr Young says he’s keen to step up to the top role within the Group, and continue advocating for farmers across the state.

“I feel that we need a voice, and the VFF is that voice for advocacy and policy for Victorian farmers. I’ve been passionate about that for quite a few years now, so I wanted to continue advocating for farmers all across Victoria,” Mr Young told the Moorabool News.

“I’m excited for the challenge ahead, and obviously I’m just going to have to manage my farming interests with my advocacy work in the VFF. It’s a great opportunity to advocate on farming-related issues…the main issues at the moment are the Government’s new Animal Welfare Act, biosecurity, maintaining market share and profitability for Victorian farmers, and making sure we’re on the front foot with animal pain relief, showing what a great job we do with that and showing we’re committed to looking after our animals as best we can.”

VFF Acting Returning Officer Brendan Tatham congratulated all successful incumbent office bearers as the future leaders of Victoria’s peak agricultural advocacy body.

“The VFF would like to acknowledge and thank all candidates for the positions and encourages them to continue to contribute to the VFF and the farming community into the future,” Mr Tatham said.

“The VFF also thanks all outgoing office bearers for their contributions over the years and helping to facilitate succession in the VFF to the next generation of VFF leaders.”

Peter Star was elected to replace Mr Young in the VFF Livestock Vice President role, while Emma Germano and Danyel Cucinotta were re-elected as the VFF’s general President and Vice President respectively.