AUSTRALIA | Dairy farmers across the country have been recognised in Dairy Australia’s 2024 Milk Quality Awards, with 22 gold and silver awards claimed by Fonterra’s farmer suppliers across Victoria and Tasmania in this year’s awards.
The awards celebrated farmers who produced the country’s best milk based on Bulk Milk Cell Count (BMCC) data provided by processors each financial year.
Dairy Australia released a list recognising the top 100 dairy farmers with the highest quality milk in the country.
An ideal cell count is less than 250,000 cells/ml, with a high count indicating a bacterial infection in the udder, also known as mastitis. The lower the cell count, the higher the quality of milk.
The 100 farmers with the lowest annual BMCCs were presented with a gold diamond plaque for their farm gate. Other farms within the lowest five percent of BMCCs received a silver diamond.
This year, Fonterra’s farmer suppliers claimed 22 nods from Dairy Australia for their milk: 13 gold awards and nine silver.
Gippsland dairy farmers and Fonterra suppliers Mick and Julie Fusinato, alongside Nathan Ryrie, who shared farms with them, were named in the top 100 and received the Gold Milk Quality Award.
Ryrie said he wasn’t expecting the award but was proud to be recognised.
“It’s something to work towards. Always keeping on top of cell count. It’s about keeping the cows happy and producing good quality milk,” said Ryrie.
“It’s been great to see Mick, Julie, and Nathan maintain their BMCC levels, and their milk goes into great dairy products we know and love here in Australia. It’s a win-win for all,” added Craig Fallon, area manager, responsible dairy, Gippsland.”
Fonterra’s Farm Source Area Manager—Responsible Dairy in Gippsland, Craig Fallon, has worked directly with farmers on animal health and welfare, biosecurity, and sustainability.
Part of his role has involved helping farmers improve herd health, prevent mastitis, and support them in achieving high milk quality.
“Mick, Julie and Nathan run a fantastic business with best-practice milking techniques and systems,” said Fallon.
“Over the last few years, they’ve fine-tuned the operations in their dairy, reducing the risk of mastitis and cross-contamination between animals. They’ve always had a sharp focus on the overall health of their herd, and it’s great to see their commitment recognised with a Gold Milk Quality Award.”
He recognised that achieving the desired low BMCC cell count can take many years of hard work.
“If you’re dealing with a mastitis infection, it’s not a simple fix. Farmers often split their herd, excluding cows from the dairy and managing groups with various levels of BMCC results to target individual cows for treatment.”
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