Mr Johns and vice-president Ashley Fraser were elected unopposed. 

The pair will be joined by Peter Thompson from Manangatang, representing the northern Mallee, Jason Mellings from Donald, representing the Charlton region, and Anthony Mulcahy from Streatham, representing the southern region.

Seven of the positions on the group’s 11 member council were up for grabs – including president and vice-president – with nominations closing on Wednesday.

Incoming president Ross Johns is a former ABB Grain director and was deputy chair of the Grains Research and Development Corporation for three years.

Mr Johns lives in Ballarat and runs three farms, at Warracknabeal, Dimboola and Marnoo, with wife Julie, who is a speech therapist.

Grains Group Manager Stephen Sheridan paid tribute to the outgoing councillors, commending them for their commitment during their terms.

“On behalf of management I would like to congratulate the successful nominees, and especially thank our outgoing councillors Colin Coates, Garry Bibby, Noel Barr, Ashley Marshall and Brett Hosking for their dedicated and passionate service,” he said.

The new office bearers will officially start their new roles at the close of the federation’s grains group conference in Horsham on February 27.

Two councillor positions remain vacant and applications for the southern Mallee and eastern Mallee councillor positions are being called.

“Serving on the grains group council is an excellent opportunity to have a significant influence in shaping the future of the grains industry at a local, state, national and even international level,” Mr Sheridan said.

“We strongly encourage members, whether they’re partners, sons or daughters who are actively involved in their family grain farming business to consider these roles.”

Inquiries or expressions of interest can be made to Stephen Sheridan on 9207 5534.