Mr Hehir, who is a business partner with his parents in an organically certified dairy operation milking 550 cows, will oversee a team of dairy farmers, scientists and industry representatives to shape and form the issues most pertinent to the country’s dairy industry.
A Nuffield Scholar, Brendan is no stranger to the ADC format and agenda, with dairy debate and forward thinking in his bloodline with his father Terry Hehir a founding director and visionary of ADC, more than 17 years ago.
In 2020, ADC heads back to the Victorian heartland of Melbourne on February 20-21, providing the most central and accessible location for an expected 500 dairy industry delegates.
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As a conference for farmers, by farmers, Mr Hehir said his challenge was to deliver the most topical issues the industry needs to confront.
“ADC is never backwards in addressing the issues that are most relevant and confronting and so we have a big responsibility to keep pushing the envelope and bring topics that both resonate and spark some good debate,” said Mr Hehir.
“The Australian dairy industry at the moment really is in a climate of change.
“There are many exiting the industry as pressures mount up and as dairy farmers we need to be more adaptable, more innovative and more sustainable in order to operate successfully.”
“ADC is a valued forum for both practical on-farm applications but essentially is most recognised for challenging the status quo and having an eye on the horizon to explore what is looming ahead.
“Bringing together some of the brightest dairy minds I believe is what sets ADC apart.
“Representation from every spectrum of the industry from farmers, CEOs, scientists, processors and service providers creates such a poignant gathering of people looking to make a difference.
“ADC has always been a big part of my life, particularly with Dad (Terry) being involved in its inception so to be offered the opportunity to chair is very humbling.”
The 2020 ADC Melbourne program will be released in November with planning already well under way and the program outline taking shape.
“Without giving anything away from early discussions, as ADC always manages to do, expect the unexpected,” Mr Hehir said.