Saputo Dairy Australia’s (SDA) annual milk quality awards have recognised dairy farming families who delivered 100 per cent premium quality milk throughout the 2025–26 season.
Navigating a year of diverse seasonal conditions, suppliers across SDA’s five milk supply regions continued to maintain high milk quality standards throughout 2025–26.
SDA director of milk supply and planning, Kate Ryan said recent regional events had been held to celebrate suppliers who achieved premium quality standards across every collection.
“These awards are a testament to the skill, consistency and dedication of our farmers and their teams.
“Achievements like these don’t happen by chance - it reflects strong on-farm systems, attention to detail and a commitment to excellence every day.”
Among this year’s recipients were Phil and Nicole Lock from Timboon in south-west Victoria, who were proud to receive their first SDA milk quality award.
For the Locks, success comes from consistency, vigilance and acting quickly when issues arise.
“We show up every day and know where all our hotspots are.
“We’re not perfect, but by being consistent and vigilant, you can catch things and rectify them early,” Mr Lock said.
The Locks also prioritise a clean farm environment and good cattle management, including well maintained tracks, regular feed pad cleaning and low-stress cattle handling.
In Croki, New South Wales, Craig and Debbie Emerton marked a significant milestone, receiving their 11th consecutive SDA milk quality award.
For the Emertons, long-term success is also about consistency, combined with keeping systems simple.
They follow a set routine at milking time and avoid taking shortcuts.
For them, the key to maintaining premium milk quality results is good water quality, good cow identification systems and excellent communication with their on-farm team.
Craig and Debbie use the best quality water available for all aspects of cleaning the milking plant.
Mr Emerton said they regularly monitor the wash program to ensure it is effective and their approach to cow washing had also positively impacted their results.
“We also have a dry cow strategy that includes teat sealing all cows in the milking herd at dry-off,” he said.
For both farming families, consistent systems, low-stress animal handling, paying close attention to their herds and quickly addressing issues have been central to achieving premium milk quality.
Ms Ryan said the awards recognise and thank SDA’s suppliers for their sustained care, expertise and long-term commitment to quality.
“The high standards maintained by our farmers underpin our business and we are proud to celebrate their dedication and partnership.”