Mr Griffin outpolled Macarthur dairy farmer Kerry Callow in a ballot counted at the United Dairyfarmers of Victoria annual general meeting and conference in Melbourne.

Mr Griffin said critical issues for the UDV included membership, animal health and welfare, water and maintaining a good working relationship with other industry bodies to achieve the best outcomes for dairy farmers. The UDV also needed to maintain its position as a commodity group within the Victorian Farmers Federation, he said.

UDV conference delegates today expressed concern about the relationship of the UDV with the Victorian Farmers Federation. The delegates carried unanimously a resolution "that this conference deplores the continual downgrading of the UDV name, logo and resources by the VFF".

Mr Griffin said Victorian dairy farmers identified with their commodity group.

"It has been a strong brand.It's justifiable that we try to maintain that."

The VFF annual general meeting and conference will be held today with delegates to elect a successor to president Simon Ramsay.

*Full report in Stock & Land, June 18.