While Norco members have enjoyed unprecedented price stability over the last few years, this increase is welcomed news in the face of increasingly frequent weather events and rising input costs and has been tied directly to two measures:
Norco is the first dairy processor in Queensland and NSW to offer a direct financial incentive to farmers for collecting farm emissions' data, recognising the time and effort required and the vital role it plays in building a more sustainable dairy supply chain.
Investing in a more sustainable and resilient future
While retaining farmers in the dairy industry continues to be a broad industry challenge, Norco is also investing in a wider set of initiatives to support farmer resilience and the long-term sustainability of the dairy industry in northern NSW and Queensland.
These include:
- Farm data survey and reports – Now in its third year, the program has already delivered the largest dataset of dairy farm emissions ever compiled across the eastern seaboard and subtropical region of Australia. Norco farmers will now receive tailored insights to assess performance and help improve farm productivity and efficiency.
- Cow purchase program – Originally launched after the 2022 Lismore floods, the initiative provides financial support to members to help grow or rebuild herd size and boost milk production. It continues to support recovery and profitability following the Mid North Coast floods, while also helping members achieve long term business goals.
- Succession planning program – Designed to address industry decline and support generational transition, this future-focused program provides financial and business support to help younger farmers take over family operations. The practical support preserves productivity and retains valuable agricultural land for dairy, while empowering younger generations to carry forward family businesses.
Chief executive Michael Hampson said Norco was committed to shaping a more sustainable future for Australian dairy.
“We are a proudly 100 per cent farmer-owned co-operative, and as we celebrate our 130th year, it’s more important than ever to invest in resilience-building initiatives that help grow dairy farmer businesses and secure long-term success for our members and the industry more broadly,” Michael said.
“This price increase directly rewards milk quality and participation in our farm data survey, a critical step in measuring emissions and unlocking productivity insights for farmers. It’s a tangible way we’re linking sustainability with value creation.
“Beyond pricing, we continue to invest in programs that support herd growth, succession planning, and on-farm innovation, ensuring our members can thrive today while laying the foundations for a stronger, more sustainable Northern dairy sector tomorrow.”
Track record and future focus
The Norco Dairyfoods operation has already achieved Dairy Australia’s target of a 30 per cent reduction in carbon intensity by 2030, six years ahead of schedule, driven by a combined focus on emissions benchmarking, and energy-efficiency upgrades.
Combined with recognition as Canstar Blue’s 2025 Most Satisfied Customers for Fresh Full Cream Milk, Norco is demonstrating how quality and sustainability, can go hand-in-hand, meeting consumer expectations, while delivering strong commercial outcomes for its farmer members.
