Saputo Dairy Australia’s annual Milk Quality Awards have recently recognised suppliers that delivered 100 per cent premium quality milk throughout the 2024-25 season.
Despite a year marked by significant challenges for farming communities, suppliers across SDA’s five milk supply regions maintained exceptional standards.
SDA milk supply and planning director Kate Ryan said the awards celebrated suppliers who consistently met milk grading standards across every collection, with the results reflecting the resilience and professionalism of farming teams.
“Maintaining such high standards during a challenging season is no small feat and speaks to the care, skill and pride our farmers and their teams take in their work,” she said.
Among this year’s recipients are Clint and Jacinta Knight of Tanderra Dairies near Colac, who milk 1250 Holstein Friesians with Clint’s parents, Les and Glenda.
This is their first SDA Milk Quality Award, with Clint crediting their success to consistency, technology and team training.
“If I can look at the cell count and it’s low, I can tell that everything’s going well in the dairy because everyone’s doing their job,” he said.
“Achieving quality consistently is not just about one person – the entire team is responsible.”
The Knights use digital tools to monitor vat temperature, cooling times and cow health, and all staff undergo a structured induction process, including Dairy Australia’s Cups On, Cups Off training.
“Everyone at Tanderra Dairies has gone through an induction process and spent time working with one of our more experienced team members,” Clint said.
Mark Calder, a second-generation farmer near Leongatha in Gippsland, received his seventh SDA Milk Quality Award this year.
He milks 250 cross-bred cows with his father Bruce on a farm that’s been producing milk for over 50 years.
For Mark and Bruce, what makes the difference in maintaining their high-quality milk is consistency in practices in the shed, including ensuring udder and teat health and a hygienic milking routine.
“These may take more time, but the cost is repaid in reduced mastitis,” Mark said.
Both farmers said the recognition was a source of pride and validation for their teams.
“We’ve been putting in the hard yards, doing that little bit extra and it’s paying dividends in quality milk,” Mark said.
Kate said the awards recognised and thanked SDA’s suppliers for their commitment to quality and care.
“The quality of our dairy products begins with the exceptional milk we receive from our dedicated suppliers,” she said.