Norco farmers awarded gold at Milk Quality Awards

Norco Co-operative has commended three of its farmer members who have received recognition as top-quality milk producers in Australia at Dairy Australia’s Milk Quality Awards 2023.

The accolade recognises and celebrates the top 100 milk producers nationwide and this year, three Norco farmers received gold awards — two in the Dairy NSW region and one in the Subtropical Queensland region.

Mike Jeffery, Norco dairy farmer and Chairman, commended the farmers and the brand’s commitment to high-quality standards.

The Milk Quality Awards distinguish the top 100 farms nationally with the lowest bulk milk cell count (BMCC), illustrating the commitment of Aussie farmers in upholding the production of high-quality milk, while ensuring the wellbeing of their livestock.

The Zischke family partnership, operating in Haden, was the only Queensland farm to be awarded gold. This year’s achievement has marked seven consecutive years of the accolade.

“It’s a great honour to be the only Queensland farm to be awarded, and to be recognised for all our hard work and the quality milk we produce.

“We will continue doing what we do best, as we are proud of and love the work that we do,” the Zischkes said.

Norco farming family Phillip, Debbie and Shaun Borham, who run a 250-head dairy in Comboyne, NSW, were recognised for their commitment to animal welfare and handling for the sixth year in a row.

“It’s lovely to be recognised once again, but it all really stems from the satisfaction we get from the work we do, because we love our cattle, they are our family.

“We look after them and do the best we can for them, and the award and acknowledgement is simply the icing on the cake,” Shaun Borham said.

In the Dairy NSW region, the McDonald family partnership of Underbank joins the Borhams as gold recipients for the second year running.

Established in 2002, Dairy Australia’s Milk Quality Awards are designed to honour and bestow industry recognition upon Australia’s most exceptional milk producers.

Eligible dairy farms are required to have a minimum of nine months’ worth of BMCC data, which is provided by their processor to Dairy Australia. The annual average BMCC for each farm is calculated using the BMCC results from each collection and gold status is awarded to the top 100 farms with the lowest BMCC.

Image caption: Philip and Shaun Borham.