Tasmanian Dairy Awards winners announced

A strong focus on people management has helped Juniper Lea dairy farm secure the prestigious title of 2025 ANZ Dairy Business of the Year Award, announced at the Tasmanian Dairy Awards in Launceston this evening.

Juniper Lea, located at Dairy Plains in Tasmania’s central north, is managed by Luke Davey Baldock and is part of the BWB group.

Judges praised the high level of people management displayed at Juniper Lea, including an emphasis on work-life-balance, encouragement to participate in training and skills development, and initiatives such as providing staff with meals during the busy calving period.

“The leadership style demonstrated by Luke has created an environment where staff feel valued and supported, leading to staff retention and excellent on-farm outcomes,” said Lesley Irvine, TIA Dairy Extension Officer.

The ANZ Dairy Business of the Year Award is conducted by the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA) as part of the DairyHIGH 2 project which is funded by Dairy Australia and TIA.

The free benchmarking program considers a range of efficiency and performance indicators of dairy farming businesses factors including financial, management, pasture, herd size and environment.

The Fonterra Share Dairy Farmer of the Year award was also awarded at the Tasmanian Dairy Awards.

It was presented to Mercede and Aaron Kay, who are share farming for Vivienne and (the late) Michael Quilliam at Togari.

“Mercede and Aaron were selected based on their ability to maximise the use of the property through careful planning, and their absolute attention to detail in every aspect of their business from pasture production, animal health and production, the environment and people,” Ms Irvine said.

“They are an impressive young couple demonstrating what can be achieved through hard work commitment.

DairyTas chair Luke McNab said it was wonderful to bring Tasmania’s dairy industry together to celebrate high performers in the industry and join together to reflect and celebrate the past year.

 “It has been fantastic to recognise those businesses and individuals throughout the industry that have performed across these key areas in 2025,” he said.

 “This event not only highlights success but fosters a sense of community and collaboration, ensuring that we continue to grow and thrive together in the coming years.”

Results of the 2025 Tasmanian Dairy Industry Awards: 

• ANZ Dairy Business of the Year Award: Juniper Lea, managed by Luke Davey Baldock, Dairy Plains. Part of the BWB group 

• Fonterra Share Dairy Farmer of the Year Award: Mercede and Aaron Kay share farming for Vivienne and the (late) Michael Quilliam, Togari 

• Safe Farming Tasmania Dairy Farm Safety Award: Compass Agri 

• Lely Australia Responsible Dairying Award: Gunningham Farms Pty Ltd 

• Blackley Pipelines & Irrigation Dairy Employee of the Year Award: Daniella Ashworth 

• Aurora Energy Workplace of Excellence Award: Rosemount Ag Pty Ltd 

• Mondelez Young Dairy Farmer Encouragement Award: Jaydon Harvey 

• Future of Dairy Scholarship (sponsored by the Lawrence family): Montanna Gilroy