Tasmanian Dairy Awards: recognising excellence in the sector

Finalists for the 2026 ANZ Dairy Business of the Year Award and the 2026 Lactalis-Mainland Dairy Share Dairy Farmer of the Year Award have been announced, recognising Tasmania’s top dairy farmers for their excellence in business performance, leadership and contribution to the industry.

The awards are part of the Tasmanian Dairy Awards, and the winners will be revealed at an awards dinner in Devonport on 25 June, hosted by DairyTas and the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA).

TIA Dairy Development Extension Officer Symon Jones, who is one of the judges for this year’s awards, said the finalists represent the state’s best performing dairy businesses.

“These awards recognise excellence across all areas of dairy farm management, including people leadership, environmental stewardship, workplace safety and overall business performance,” Mr Jones said.

“They highlight the innovation, commitment and professionalism that drive Tasmania’s dairy industry forward.”

The finalists in the 2026 ANZ Dairy Business of the Year Award are selected from participants in the Dairy Farm Monitor Project, funded by Dairy Australia, based on financial data for 2024-25. All are achieving a high level of farm profitability.

“The three finalists this year are all expert pasture, people, herd and importantly overall business managers which is important to be successful in Tasmania’s pasture-based dairy industry. They all regularly monitor and measure pasture, conduct soil testing and monitor their soil moisture to apply the right amount of water at the right time,” Mr Jones said.

“Building and maintaining a capable and competent team was also a priority for each business, as was the health and welfare of their cows.”

The finalists in the 2026 Lactalis-Mainland Dairy Share Dairy Farmer of the Year Award were nominated for their commitment and passion for the industry and their ability to manage a successful dairy business.

“Share farming plays a key role in the Tasmanian dairy industry, providing highly skilled labour for both family and corporate dairy farming businesses. Share farmers take on the day-to-day management of the dairy farm and in return provide themselves with a pathway to operate their own business within the larger farm business structure, generating wealth through herd and farm ownership,” Mr Jones said.

“The finalists are judged on their ability to maximise the use of the property through careful planning, managing pasture, milk production and quality, animal health and welfare, the environment and people.”

“We’re also interested in their personal journey into share farming, their long-term goals and the philosophy that drives their success.”

Finalists in the 2026 ANZ Dairy Business of the Year Award:

• Limberlost, managed by Dave Sommerville, Kayena
• Redpa Blue, share farmed by Ryan and Brighid Langley for Circular Head Farms
• Northview Estate, owned and managed by Geoff and Stan Cox, Ringarooma

Finalists in the 2026 Lactalis-Mainland Dairy Share Dairy Farmer of the Year Award:

• Ryan and Brighid Langley, Redpa Blue, as part of Circular Head Farms
• Matt and Wynta Crittenden, Glenwood Dairies, Roger River, Circular Head

DairyTas will present several other awards at the Tasmanian Dairy Awards. The categories are:

• Saputo Sustainability in Dairy Award
• Rex James Stockfeed Innovation in Dairy Award
• Blackley Pipelines & Irrigation Dairy Employee of the Year Award
• Aurora Energy Dairy Workplace of Excellence Award
• Mondelez Young Dairy Farmer Encouragement Award