Australia’s best milk producers have been recognised in the 2026 Australian Milk Quality Awards.
Delivered annually by Dairy Australia since 2002, the awards acknowledge the farmers who achieve the highest-quality milk, measured by bulk milk cell count data supplied by processors each financial year.
This year, 200 farms in total have been recognised for their outstanding milk quality. The 100 farms with the lowest BMCCs received a gold diamond award to display at their farm gate.
Farms in the lowest five per cent also earned a silver diamond award.
Dairy Australia national milk quality and biosecurity lead Zoe Vogels said the awards were a great recognition of the investments in infrastructure — such as new dairies or feed pads — and the everyday decisions farmers made to maintain and improve the health of their dairy herds and the quality of milk that was produced.
“Australian milk is some of the best in the world,” Dr Vogels said.
“A low bulk milk cell count is indicative of good mastitis control.
“Since the awards were introduced 24 years ago, they have improved significantly.
“The result is that Australian dairy farmers are ensuring better cow health and higher productivity and farm profitability.”
Dr Vogels said the 2026 results were particularly strong considering some of the external challenges farmers face.
“Last year Australian dairy farmers had to deal with floods and droughts, while this year they were hit with a fuel and fertiliser shortage — so it has been great to see our Australian dairy farms continue to achieve consistently high-quality milk,” Dr Vogels said.
The Australian Milk Quality Awards are part of Dairy Australia’s Countdown program, which supports best-practice mastitis control and milking management through guidelines, training and technical support. These are available at dairyaustralia.com.au/countdown.
Murray region winners:
Alanfield P/L & CA Ross
L De Fazio & LG De Fazio
CL Freemantle
L & H Harneiss Farming Trust
GR & JR Hawken and KG & JP Hawken RW
JA & NP Hocking
R & R McLean Morrisco P/L
PG & HB Robinson
WL & JA Stewart
JD & JA Wakefield
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