Mr Crosthwaite is the fifth generation to farm his family’s property and runs a herd of 300 cows with his wife of seven years, Sarah, who comes from a sheep farming background at Deniliquin.

He brings an impressive range of qualifications, both academic and in experience, to the position.

Mr Crosthwaite has a degree in agricultural science from Melbourne University, a post-graduate degree in applied science from Massey University in New Zealand and a masters degree in agribusiness from Melbourne University.

He has worked for Bega Cheese and Murray Goulburn in the western district of Victoria, is on the Regional Extension and Education Committee and is the chairman of North East Murray Dairy.

So, with plenty on his plate why has Mr Crosthwaite decided to take on yet another position?

“I believe farmers need to get more involved with the dairy industry,” he said.

“From my point of view, there are some real benefits although my dairy farm is my number one priority.

“But (by being on the board) I will get my head out of the farm and expose myself to higher level industry stuff.

“At the same time I believe I bring some valuable skills to the organisation, which will help our dairy farmers.

“I am looking forward to serving on this board however I will be stepping down from the REEC to concentrate on this new position.”

Murray Dairy operates under the auspices of Dairy Australia and is itself then divided into five different regions, including the North East, under a system of regional development programs

The organisation oversees the investment of farmer levies, research and development and extension activities for dairy farmers in northern Victoria and is mostly funded by industry levies and some government funding.

Mr Crosthwaite said he was not looking to go on to the board with a view to encourage radical changes.

“I really want to emphasise my belief that farmers should be getting involved in their industry,” he said.

“I believe there is a great future in farming and I want to be a part of that and it would be great to see other people get involved in various things as well.”

However, Mr Crosthwaite said he would like to see the organisation move into a couple of important areas.

“I would like to see us provide greater assistance to the younger people in the dairy industry, who I think we can probably influence to a large degree,” he said.

“And there are a couple of key things to look at here, such as improving their farming business; and it’s not only just about young people.

“In a volatile farming environment business skills are vital and decisions must be the right ones.”

Bendigo-based Daryl Poole was also appointed to the board. Mr Crosthwaite and Mr Poole replace Cameron Smith and Kergunyah dairy identity Ken Jones who have both completed their second three-year terms with Murray Dairy.