The awards celebrate farmers who have produced the country’s best milk based on Bulk Milk Cell Count (BMCC) data provided by processors each financial year.

Dairy Australia releases a list recognising the top 100 dairy farmers with the highest quality milk in the country.

An ideal cell count is less than 250,000 cells/ml – with a high cell count indicating a bacterial infection in the udder, also known as mastitis.

The lower the cell count, the higher the quality of milk, and the 100 farmers with the lowest annual BMCCs are presented with a gold diamond plaque for their farm gate. Other farms within the lowest five per cent of BMCCs receive a silver diamond.

This year, Fonterra’s farmer suppliers claimed a total of 23 diamonds by Dairy Australia in recognition of their milk; 11 gold awards and 12 silver.

Fonterra’s Farm Source Area Manager – Responsible Dairy in Tasmania, Liz Nichols, works directly with farmers across the areas of animal health and welfare, biosecurity and sustainability.

Liz helps farmers improve herd health, prevent mastitis and support them to achieve high milk quality.

“Achieving high milk quality is a result of consistent best-practice milking routines, significant attention to herd health, and a deep understanding of what each cow needs in the whole farming system,” said Liz.

“It’s not easy work. It takes constant refinement, resilience through tough seasons, and a commitment to excellent practices every day.

“This year’s gold and silver Milk Quality Award recipients have demonstrated that dedication, and it’s fantastic to see their efforts recognised. Their milk contributes to the quality dairy products we’re proud to deliver right across Australia.”

2025 Fonterra Milk Quality Award Winners

Gippsland

• MJ & JL Fusinato and NJ Ryrie - Gold
• RW & SI Summerfield – Silver

Northern Victoria – Murray region

• Gundamine Farm, A Bell & P Jones – Silver
• Prins Dairy Pty Ltd, Arjan Prins – Silver
• K, F, J & S Fitzsimmons – Silver

Tasmania

• MD & JM Goss - Gold
• SJ & S Van Eldik – Silver

Western Victoria

• RK & LJ Hawtin - Gold
• AG & JF Kerr - Gold
• JM Kenny, JR Kenny & PG Kenny - Gold
• TMJA Parish - Gold
• JN Sloane – Gold
• AJ, JD & JW Kenna – Gold 
• PJ O'Bryan and FK O'Bryan - Gold
• BL & GL Justin – Gold
• NL & LJ Pegg, S/F Michael Pegg – Gold
• Tesbury Farm Trust – Silver
• The Fleming Farming Trust – Silver
• A Kavanagh – Silver
• Richard L & Lynette M Pender - Silver
• J & T Drake - Silver
• Craven Farms – Rowleys - Silver
• MH & KA Croft - Silver