Developed through the Australian Dairy Sustainability Framework (ADSF), the scorecard reports on progress across four commitments: best care for animals, enhancing economic viability and livelihoods, improving wellbeing, and protecting the environment.
Key achievements in 2025 include a further reduction in the amount of waste produced from dairy manufacturing, with 86 per cent diverted away from landfill – up from 81 per cent in 2024 – and broad recognition by regional communities of the importance of the dairy industry, with 87 per cent of people agreeing that dairy is an essential part of their community.
In a ringing endorsement of Australian dairy, 91 per cent of consumers agree that Australia’s dairy industry produces high quality products, up from 89 per cent in 2024.
South Gippsland dairy farmer and chair of the ADSF steering committee Graeme Nicoll said the 2025 Scorecard reflects how farmers and processors are tracking against sustainability commitments in a changing operating environment.
“Sustainability is essential to the future of Australian dairy and central to maintaining a profitable and trusted industry,” Mr Nicoll said.
“The scorecard provides a clear, evidence-based view of how the industry is progressing using the most up-to-date data and shows where continued focus is needed.”
“The progress made against benchmarks has enabled us to lift our ambitions higher, particularly under our best care for animals commitment.”
The 2025 Sustainability Scorecard is the first reporting cycle under the industry’s updated commitment to providing best care for animals.
Following a review of animal care priorities, goals already achieved have been removed, and new goals aligned with leading practices and current industry needs have been introduced.
One new goal already achieved is the development of a whole-of-industry surplus calf roadmap.
The road map, known as CalfWays, is now being delivered in partnership across the dairy and beef sectors to strengthen supply chain connections, promote best-practice calf management and improve long-term outcomes for dairy-origin calves.
Mr Nicoll said the scorecard plays a critical role in maintaining transparency with stakeholders.
“By openly reporting against agreed commitments, the industry can demonstrate progress, respond to community and customer expectations, and focus collective effort where it will have the greatest impact,” he said.
“Consistently high consumer and community confidence in the safety and quality of Australian dairy shows that the Sustainability Framework continues to build trust in dairy.”
The ADSF continues to evolve in response to changing expectations, climate risk and emerging issues.
Industry working groups are reviewing goals, targets and data sources across remaining commitments.
Updated measures will be reflected in the 2026 Sustainability Scorecard, strengthening reporting on environmental performance, wellbeing, and social impact.
“Sustainability is ongoing work,” Mr Nicoll said.
“This scorecard shows where the industry stands today and demonstrates our commitment to a sustainable future for Australian dairy.”
The 2025 Sustainability Scorecard is available at dairy.com.au.
