Community
6 November, 2024
Cream of the crop
MORE than 200 of Australia’s leading dairy farmers have been recognised in Dairy Australia’s 2024 Countdown Milk Quality Awards.
Western Victorian farmers from across the region were well represented with 51 farmers recognised among the top 100 gold dairy farms, and a further 38 represented in the silver category.
Awarded by Dairy Australia annually since 2002, the awards celebrate farmers who have produced the country’s highest quality milk, based on bulk milk cell count (BMCC) data provided by processors each financial year.
The 100 farmers with the lowest annual BMCCs are presented with a gold plaque for their farm gate, while other farms within the lowest five per cent of BMCCs receive a silver diamond.
Dairy Australia’s national milk quality and biosecurity lead Dr Zoe Vogels said the awards recognise farmers and farm businesses that make decisions on farm to maintain and improve the health of dairy herds and the quality of milk that is produced.
“Australia produces some of the world’s best milk, not just in taste and nutrition, but also in quality,” she said.
“A low BMCC is indicative of good mastitis control.
“Over the last 20 years of the awards, BMCCs have significantly improved, benefiting cow health, farmer income and product yields, and shelf life.
“All dairy regions have been challenged by seasonal conditions in the past 18 months, so it is incredible to see these farms achieving consistently high-quality milk.”
The Milk Quality Awards are part of Dairy Australia’s national extension program Countdown, which aims to support dairy farmers and their service providers in achieving cost-effective, best practice milking management and mastitis control.
Countdown resources include industry-agreed farm guidelines for mastitis control, technical notes and training programs.
More information about the Countdown program can be found at dairyaustralia.com.au/countdown, and the full list of 2024 Milk Quality Award winners can be found at dairyaustralia.com.au.
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