Mr Oakes was speaking during a panel debate in the 'Dairy Hub' at the Dairy Tech event held at Stoneleigh Park this week.
The show describes itself as a dairy tailored show for the new generation of dairy farmers, managers and technicians. It aims to showcase the pressing needs of the modern dairy professional, allowing them to gain maximum exposure to new and exciting industry innovations relevant to their business.
Mr Oakes was joined on the panel to discuss the reform of dairy contracts by dairy analyst Chris Walkland.
Mr Oakes said the NFU was already consulting its membership and having regular meetings with processors around the country. He also highlighted a Farmers Weekly online poll which resulted in 74% of respondents saying they were in favour of dairy contract reform.
Defra is expected to launch its consultation on dairy contract reform later in the year.
NFU dairy board vice chairman Paul Tompkins also participated in a panel session on Defra's Clean Air Strategy.
Paul appeared alongside Nigel Penlington, AHDB, Liam Sinclair, Harper Adams University, and Paul Galama, Wageningen University, to talk about Defra's Clean Air Strategy.
Mr Tompkins told the audience that dairy farmers are 'brand leaders' with 98% of people in the UK consuming dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt. He said: "We have many responsibilities including to the environment. Farmers are already doing a fantastic job in reducing their emissions on farm through good practice."