Pure Dairy has made a significant move by appointing Andrew Wellington as its newest chief commercial officer. With an extensive background spanning over 20 years in the dairy and food-processing industries, Wellington brings a treasure trove of expertise in operational leadership, market expansion, and supply chain optimisation.

"Pure Dairy's Strategic Leadership Move with Andrew Wellington"

Andrew Wellington's Journey in the Dairy Industry

Andrew Wellington has been deeply immersed in the dairy industry since his early childhood. Growing up on a dairy farm in northern Victoria, his career began with driving milk tankers. This hands-on experience laid the foundation for his future in the dairy sector. He then completed a cadetship with Murray Goulburn and pursued a degree in Food Technology at Melbourne University.Over the years, he held various leadership positions across Australia and New Zealand. At Open Country Cheese, he served as the general manager of Operations before the company rebranded as Open Country Dairy. Here, he took on the role of group projects manager, overseeing national plant integration and capital projects. At Thermaflo NZ, he served as the technical director, specializing in plant design. Most recently, he was the CEO at Union Dairy Company, where he managed large-scale operations with a focus on driving efficiency and innovation.

Pure Dairy's Growth and Future Plans

Pure Dairy has built a remarkable reputation as international thought leaders in the dairy industry by servicing partners in 72 countries with end-to-end custom solutions. As of 2025, they will be pouring their intellectual capital into their very own production facility. This new, state-of-the-art $100M Victorian plant is set to provide Australian businesses with a competitive edge in the rapidly changing international market.The executive chairman of Pure Dairy, Adrian Josephson, emphasizes Andrew Wellington's ability to consolidate the work of their multidisciplinary teams. With real-time data from their international offices and network of partners, they need a leader who can quickly grasp the big picture and make timely pivots. In today's dynamic international market, such skills are crucial.For example, the EU exports are currently facing challenges due to the Red Sea shipping crisis, and US-China tariff hikes are on the horizon. However, there are significant opportunities for quality Australian dairy. Wellington is excited to lead Pure Dairy into this new era and make the most of these opportunities.

Wellington's Vision and Excitement

Wellington expressed his inspiration at being able to put all his accumulated knowledge to use. With an international network of partners, big data, and a multi-disciplinary team, Pure Dairy has a proven track record of capitalizing on any opportunity. As they open their own production facility next year, the potential is truly remarkable.He believes that this is a great time to be part of Pure Dairy and contribute to its continued growth. His diverse experience and insights will play a vital role in shaping the company's future and taking it to new heights.

Farmers, brewers, and various stakeholders gathered at the Orange Agricultural Institute (OAI) to engage in a significant workshop. This gathering aimed to delve into the opportunities and challenges associated with the Mountain Rye perennial grain in the context of beer production. Perennial grains hold great promise for the future of farming systems, as they contribute to agricultural sustainability in multiple ways. By reducing the risk of erosion, minimizing chemical inputs, and conserving water, these grains enhance soil health and support biodiversity.

Unlocking the Potential of Mountain Rye in Australian Brewing

Enhancing Agricultural Sustainability with Mountain Rye

Perennial grains like Mountain Rye play a crucial role in improving agricultural sustainability. As mentioned, they reduce the risk of erosion, which is essential for maintaining the integrity of farmland. By minimizing chemical inputs, they also contribute to a healthier environment. Additionally, their ability to conserve water is a significant advantage, especially in regions facing water scarcity. This not only benefits the farmers but also has a positive impact on the overall ecosystem.Furthermore, the reduced water use of Mountain Rye allows for more efficient irrigation practices, leading to better water management on farms. This, in turn, helps in ensuring the long-term viability of agricultural operations. The support for biodiversity provided by these grains is another important aspect. They create habitats and niches for various species, contributing to the overall ecological balance.

The Potential of Mountain Rye in the Brewing Industry

The workshop at OAI highlighted the significant potential of Mountain Rye in the brewing industry. Currently in its third year of production from a single planting at OAI, this innovative grain is showing great promise. It has the potential to redefine what we know about sustainable grain production for brewing in Australia.Early adopters like Ridgehaven Poll Dorsets have been instrumental in establishing a commercial paddock, allowing for a prototype supply chain to be investigated. This collaborative effort between brewers and farmers is crucial in shaping the future of Australian brewing. By working together, they can overcome the challenges and fully realize the opportunities offered by Mountain Rye.Mr. Matthew Newell, NSW DPIRD Pastures Research Scientist, emphasized the importance of this workshop. It serves as a crucial step in fostering collaboration between the brewing and farming industries. Through such events, knowledge is shared, and a community is built around Mountain Rye.

Supporting Early Adopters for a Sustainable Future

It is imperative to support the early adopters of Mountain Rye. As there are currently no commercial cultivars available in NSW, events like this workshop become essential. They provide a platform for sharing knowledge and building a community around this innovative grain.By demonstrating the potential of Mountain Rye to a wider farming community and the brewing industry, early adopters play a key role. Their efforts help in scoping out a market for this new grain while concurrent with future cultivar development opportunities. This commitment to encouraging innovation in agriculture and brewing is what drives both industries forward.For more information on NSW DPIRD research, please visit our website.