Five generations fuels dairy startup for Fonterra farmer
In Sheffield, northern Tasmania, Fonterra supplier and fifth generation dairy farmer, Josh Cables, transformed his family’s legacy into a thriving dairy platform.
In a journey of ups and downs spanning the last five years, Josh and partner Megan have successfully rebuilt their dairy from the ground up, now milking 230 cows as full-time dairy farmers.
The Cables family have called Sheffield home for five generations, spanning more than 150 years.
The Cables family have deep family roots in Sheffield, dating back to 1870 when James Cables purchased a 105-acre block and named it "Arbroath" after his hometown in Scotland.
Today, Josh and Megan called Arbroath home. They’ve been here since 2015 when they moved in, determined to build upon the rich heritage left by their ancestors.
Initially, farming started as a hobby while Josh worked full-time as an agronomist. It wasn’t long before he found himself balancing his career with a passion for farming – trying his hand at managing livestock and cropping, before turning his attention to dairy.
In 2020, Josh and Megan purchased 30 five-day-old heifer calves, followed by 80 more the next year. Their next step was to rebuild the old dairy on Arbroath, which hadn’t been used since 2012.
“In 2022, we started to look for builders and technicians to work on the new dairy, and it was a huge struggle to get someone out to have a look. It was tough, but we were determined to make it work.
“Finally, after six months, Craig Stoke from DMI came to visit and by the end of 2023, the old dairy was pulled down and the build commenced for the new one,” Josh added.
“What I really love about Josh’s story is how he advocates for the wealth that can be made in dairy, and that it’s a great career and lifestyle. It’s certainly not easy, but with hard work and dedication, success is always in reach.”
On 28 June 2024, the first cows were milked in the new 24-aside double-up dairy, a significant milestone for Josh, Megan and their entire family.
A Fonterra milk tanker was first on farm to collect their milk, and they’re now on track to hit one million litres by the end of the current season.
From hobby farmer to full-time dairy farmer
When calving began in August, just one month after the milestone first milking, Josh described the period as one of the most challenging times in his life as he juggled work, farming, and family responsibilities.
"That month was incredibly demanding. I realised I couldn't do it all and needed to focus entirely on the dairy.
"I loved my job and the people I worked with, but the lure of being my own boss, spending more time with my young kids, and creating real wealth was too great," he said.
By the end of October 2024, Josh resigned from his day job and began the transition to a full-time dairy farmer.
Throughout his entire farming journey, Josh has been documenting his story the whole time.
Josh is regularly in front of the camera, providing a ‘day-in-the-life' view of his time as a full-time farmer.
Inspiring thousands through videos and vlogs
Using YouTube as a platform to reach local and global audiences, Josh has shone a light on what life as a farmer in Australia is really like.
He films day-to-day tasks and activities, sharing the highs and the lows (alongside the raw, hard truths) of farming as he’s learnt on the job.
He’s documented the first milking ever done in the dairy, and his latest video captures a morning milking, providing the audience a step-by-step walk through of what milking 230 cows looks like each day.
Publishing on his channel, Josh’s Farming Moments, his videos can receive up to 8,000 views, and with close to 2,000 subscribers, Josh’s authentic and honest views of farming have generated a strong following.
Fonterra Farm Source Area Manager and Paddock Specialist, Sam Flight, worked with Josh and Megan as they built the dairy and prepared for their first milking. Sam helped them with scenario income estimates to support budgets and finances and has been a strong advocate for their vision and goals.
She said that Josh and Megan’s journey was one of resilience and is a testament to their commitment and passion for farming.
“Josh made the decision to throw his hat in the ring to give dairy farming a go. It’s not something you see often, to build from the ground up, and share the wins and losses as you go,” Sam said.
“It’s just been fantastic to be part of Josh and Megan’s journey, from the concept and initial idea, to see the completion of the dairy.
“What I really love about Josh’s story is how he advocates for the wealth that can be made in dairy, and that it’s a great career and lifestyle. It’s certainly not easy, but with hard work and dedication, success is always in reach,” she said.