LOCAL fifth-generation farmer Brett Hosking has been elected vice-president of the Victorian Farmers Federation.
Mr Hosking, who farms at Oakvale, was elected over fellow nominee and Gippsland vegetable grower Emma Germano at the VFF conference in Melbourne on Friday.
Mr Hosking said he was humbled to receive the endorsement of the VFF membership.
“It’s very exciting and it’s quite an honour to have farmers place their trust in me,” he said.
Mr Hosking, 41, joined the VFF more than 15 years ago and went on to serve as president of the Kerang branch, before being elected vice-president and then president of the VFF Grains Group three-and-a-half years ago.
He said he was looking forward to the challenge of expanding his focus to other farming sectors.
“I always said to my family that if it ever got to the point where I didn’t believe we were achieving anything, then I would get out, but I’ve always been able to see a lot of value in what we do,” he said.
“In the last couple of years in particularly we’ve had really good engagement with government and been able to get some really good outcomes and we also have a lot of good things to come.”
Mr Hosking said challenges ahead included building and gaining access to a modern telecommunications and data network, and attracting investment for infrastructure growth in rural areas.
Meanwhile, former vice-president and Wimmera grain grower David Jochinke was elected VFF president, taking over from Pyramid Hill farmer Peter Tuohey, who held the position for four years.
“This is an awesome responsibility that the membership has entrusted me with,” Mr Jochinke said.
“As president, I promise I will continue the solid and strategic leadership that makes the VFF a powerful advocacy group. Together with the VFF membership, we will drive profitable and sustainable outcomes for Victorian agriculture.”
Mr Tuohey said he had great faith in the new leadership team.
“It’s great to see the energy of the candidates and their obvious passion for agriculture,” he said.
In an emotional farewell, Mr Tuohey thanked the VFF executive board, staff, members, and his family for helping to keep the federation as a strong farm lobby group during his leadership.
“The pathway hasn’t been easy, and plenty of people have said we couldn’t achieve what we’ve done,” he said.
“I know we’ve been watched closely and been imitated by the other states; that in itself is a worthy achievement.”
Elections were also held for the VFF Livestock Group, with Ouyen cattle producer Leonard Vallance elected president and Beaufort sheep producer James Kirkpatrick vice president.
