December 17, 2021
Long-serving Queensland Dairyfarmers Organisation president, Coolabunia farmer Brian Tessmann, has been thanked for his dedication by the organisation.
Mr Tessmann had previously stated he would step down from State duties after the merger between the QDO and NSW-based Dairy Connect.
The merger, to form eastAUSmilk, was finalised on December 1.
“He has, as we have become accustomed, been true to his word,” eastAUSmilk chair Matt Trace said.
Mr Tessmann was elected to the Wide Bay Burnett District Council of QDO in 1995, serving as District Secretary until 2003.
In 2000, he was elected to State Council serving first as Vice President before being elected President in 2009.
“President Brian has seen the highs and lows of dairy advocacy and the industry in general across Queensland,” Mr Trace said.
“From the devastation of deregulation, the millennium drought, 2011 floods, cyclones Yasi and Debbie, discount $1-a-litre milk and the most recent drought there has always been something belting the Queensland dairy industry while Brian has been at the table.
“I know he feels that leaving at this time with the death of $1-a-litre milk and a now solid farm gate milk price, combined with buoyant seasonal conditions, there is a fresh hope and optimism of growth and prosperity for the Queensland dairy industry.”
Mr Trace said Mr Tessmann had a “tremendous depth of knowledge and understanding” of the right policy position for the farmers he represented, and the smartest way of achieving that.
“While his intellect has been a strength perhaps his greatest asset has been his will to fight hard for those he represents. If it’s in the interest of farmers he will never back down,” Mr Trace said.
“So on behalf of QDO and the now eastAUSmilk board, our members and the Queensland dairy industry in general, I say thank you Brian for your service and commitment and to the personal sacrifice you and your family have made for the Queensland dairy industry.”
- Related article: QDO Name To Disappear
Congratulations Brian on your long and committed advocacy to the Dairy Industry. Best wishes to you and Dixie for the next chapter in your lives.
P.S. I still believe the ‘Nurse of the Year’ port was by far the best at your port tasting function!!