Rural
8 April, 2026
Milgate elected VFF president
Minyip cropping farmer Ryan Milgate has been named the next president of the Victorian Farmers Federation, following the close of nominations for several VFF representative positions.
Ryan Milgate will be joined by Ballan livestock farmer Scott Young as the group's vice president.
The pair is the successful incoming bearers of office following nominations for each position.
As a result, both candidates will be declared elected unopposed, with no election required.
Mr Milgate said he’s honoured to accept the role as the next VFF president.
“I’m looking forward to working closely with farmers and wider industry to ensure their voices are strongly represented, and we are focused on the key challenges and opportunities facing Victorian agriculture," he said.
“From the current diesel and input crisis, to intense competition over land use, and important conversations about getting a fair share of investment in the regions, it’s set to be a future-shaping year as we head into the Victorian election.
"We must be there when the whips are cracking, and that will be my immediate focus.”
Mr Milgate said the VFF exists because of farmers and the members, and he will ensure he continues that legacy.
Current president Brett Hosking said the time was right to pass the baton to the next generation of VFF leaders.
“I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together and the strong voice we’ve maintained for our members on the issues that matter most," he said.
Mr Milgate and Mr Young will officially begin their roles as president and vice president following the group's Ballarat conference on June 2, at which point the current leadership will step down and the new term commences.
Meanwhile, the VFF Wimmera branch elected a new president and vice president at its AGM in February.
Joel Pymer (Wonwondah) is the newly elected president, and Cameron Mibus (Green Lake) was elected vice president.
The next VFF Wimmera meeting is on Wednesday, April 8, at the Horsham RSL from 6pm.
Topics on the agenda include the Horsham bypass and the early stages of a proposed biofuel plant in the Wimmera.
