Who We Are
Valley Farmers is a not-for-profit farming group based in Latrobe Valley, Victoria, Australia.
We believe that productive farms are happy farms and better positioned to be strongly connected to their communities and supporting next generation careers in agriculture.
Valley farmers welcomes involvement from all farm types, regardless of size, commodity or phase of business. We also welcome those from outside the agricultural space as we believe that a strong connection between the city and country will deliver better food outcomes for all.
Our Team
Matt Lloyd
Founder & President
Matt Lloyd is a beef cattle producer based near the Yinnar township within the Latrobe Valley.
Whilst coming from a farming family, Matt had almost 20 years working across a variety of functions including marketing, business management, technology and consulting before moving to Gippsland in 2019.
Whilst Matt transitioned into farming, most of his family had exited the industry and inter-state. Having joined several agricultural producer groups, Matt was able to acquire immensely valuable information whilst also building his agricultural network. Unfortunately it became clear that these type of group and activities were lacking in Central Gippsland.
It started with 12 farmers attending an “expression of interest” meeting at Yinnar Pub in June 2025. It was clear there was was a demand from farmers for local farming support and Valley Farmers was born. Fast forward to today, Matt continues to drive and build Valley Farmers to have maximum positive impact on the agricultural community.
Stewart Cluning
Vice-President
Stewart Cluning is the owner of Blackjack Angus where he runs a herd of 100 Herd Book Registered Angus Cows selling bulls across Gippsland and Victoria.
Having worked at a Chartered Professional Civil Engineer for over 25 years, Stewart turned his farming “side-hustle” into his full-time job becoming a “real farmer” in 2023. Stewart is a self-confessed “farming nerd” who loves the challenges and learning opportunities that present every season. Stewart believes the future of agriculture depends on today’s farmers demonstrating that farming is an attractive industry within a supportive community.
Stewart and his wife Jayne established Blackjack Angus after attending the 2017 World Angus Forum in Scotland where they visited the foundation herds of the Aberdeen Angus breed and learnt from industry leaders and fellow breeders from Scotland, Canada, New Zealand and Australia.
Having participated in numerous farming discussion groups over the past decade, Stewart was eager to participate in setting up a local farmer network encompassing all farming types so that we can all learn and become stronger together. Stewart willingly provided his local golf club governance expertise to build the vision and help incorporate Valley Farmers in late 2025. Stewart currently leads Valley Farmer’s Community Subcommittee running 4-5 social events each year.
Kaitlyn McKenzie
Secretary
Kaitlyn McKenzie has recently started her agriculture journey, working alongside her partner Jason at their dairy enterprise in Yinnar where they milk a 600+ cow herd along with their growing team.
With almost 20 years in mining, transport and construction, Kaitlyn predominantly worked in health and safety, compliance and training, before becoming a operations superintendent for a major mechanical contract in the power industry. Along the way, Kaitlyn ran a successful consultancy in these fields where she learned sharp commercial acumen and gained valuable business administration experience.
Kaitlyn is enjoying her transition into agriculture by transferring her entrepreneurial skills into scaling their dairy business, researching new techniques and preparing for future opportunities. Kaitlyn is passionate about Valley Farmers attracting new farmers into agriculture regardless of age and promoting the rural lifestyle.
Outside of work Kaitlyn has a lifelong passion of horse riding and has previously held the role of treasurer at her local horse riding club.
Donna Lawless
Treasurer
Donna Lawless operates a multi-generational beef cattle farm in Hazelwood, where she is passionate about combining productive farming techniques that boosts natural capital. This includes implementing wildlife corridors, shelter-belts and soil health.
In addition, to the farming enterprise, Donna has been involved in multiple family businesses some of which still operate today. Also formally a business manager at the local school where donna kept a tight grip on finances, projects and administration.
Donna has been a key figure in the community for such as the secretary of local CFA and the Merton group. Gippy Mummas raising tens of thousands of dollars towards children’s health and medical treatment.
As Treasure of Valley Farmers, Donna bring a wealth of transferable skills. and is a champion of supporting women on farms by giving them confidence to be able to undetake key roles in agriculture and showing young people the viability of having a successful career in agriculture.
Sheryl Millar
Board Member
Sheryl Millar grew up on a family dairy farm in Mirboo North on and has recently taken over the business and converted it into beef cattle enterprise. If that doesn’t keep Sheryl busy enough she also lead the double life of a Facilities Management Officer at AGL Loy Yang.
Prior to this, Sheryl had 15 years across multiple roles in ANZ bank including agribusiness business lending which gave her an appreciation and understanding of the commercial aspects of farming.
Sheryl has been an instrumental part of founding Valley Farmers and is passionate about farmers achieving their full potential.