Long Haul for Fresh Milk: How Australian Farmer Peter Notman Supplies Brisbane from 1,300 Kilometers Away
Source: DairyNews.today
Veteran dairy farmers Peter and Elaine Notman are defying conventional wisdom in Australia’s dairy industry by operating two expansive farms separated by over 1,300 kilometers. The Notmans' commitment to fresh milk has them transporting up to 20,000 liters daily on a 16-hour round trip from their farm near Walcha, New South Wales, to Brisbane, Queensland—a decision driven by a strategic vision and a lucrative market gap.
Expanding Horizons with a Strategic Second Farm
With over four decades of dairy farming experience, Peter Notman, who also owns Notman Pasture Seeds, saw an opportunity in 2007 to expand his operations. He bought a property 1,217 meters above sea level outside Walcha, setting up a milking facility fr om scratch. Initially drawn to the area's fertile land and robust infrastructure, Peter was aware of a declining milk supply in southeast Queensland, which was not meeting demand.
“We chose to produce for Brisbane to move away from the volatile export market,” explains Notman. “The land was perfect for our needs, and the Queensland market offered stable demand.” The first task was transporting 780 cows on a grueling 1,300-kilometer journey to the new site, an endeavor completed without losing a single cow. Building the operation from a greenfield site, the farm now boasts a capacity to hold up to 80,000 liters of milk.
Surpassing Environmental Challenges
Located in a region wh ere temperatures can drop to freezing, the Notman farm had to adapt to challenging conditions. “We’ve installed diesel heaters that activate at zero degrees to keep our equipment operational,” says Peter. To ensure smooth operations during harsh winters, they even keep the rotary milking platform constantly moving in front of heaters.
The daily logistics are no small feat. At 4 a.m., a truck driver arrives at the Walcha farm to load milk for Brisbane, taking brief breaks before embarking on the seven-hour drive. This operation not only ensures fresh milk for Brisbane residents but also guarantees a stable income for the Notmans, thanks to a three-year supply contract worth AUS $0.85 per liter.
A Strategic Approach to Business
The Notmans’ approach underscores a commitment to operational efficiency and people management. Staffing remains a priority, with employees, including some from Indonesia, working early shifts and weekends to maximize productivity. “Our setup means that staff can’t easily borrow equipment, so we train them to handle everything in-house. We’re not just farmers here—we’re technicians,” notes Peter.
The couple’s venture into farming began at a young age. By 21, they had saved enough to purchase their first farm. Reflecting on this journey, Peter shares his advice with younger generations: “Opportunities are what you make of them. In your 20s and 30s, earn twice as much as you spend. That’s how you build something lasting.”
Beyond the Bottom Line
Today, Peter and Elaine Notman are an embodiment of resilience and foresight in the agricultural sector. Their story showcases a blend of innovative farming practices, tenacity in the face of logistical challenges, and a deep understanding of market dynamics. By transporting milk across long distances, they bridge gaps in Queensland’s dairy supply while reinforcing the value of strategic thinking and adaptability in modern farming.
For the Notmans, success is not just about surviving in a tough industry; it's about thriving by seizing opportunities and addressing unmet demand in a growing market.
With over four decades of dairy farming experience, Peter Notman, who also owns Notman Pasture Seeds, saw an opportunity in 2007 to expand his operations. He bought a property 1,217 meters above sea level outside Walcha, setting up a milking facility fr om scratch. Initially drawn to the area's fertile land and robust infrastructure, Peter was aware of a declining milk supply in southeast Queensland, which was not meeting demand.
“We chose to produce for Brisbane to move away from the volatile export market,” explains Notman. “The land was perfect for our needs, and the Queensland market offered stable demand.” The first task was transporting 780 cows on a grueling 1,300-kilometer journey to the new site, an endeavor completed without losing a single cow. Building the operation from a greenfield site, the farm now boasts a capacity to hold up to 80,000 liters of milk.
Surpassing Environmental Challenges
Located in a region wh ere temperatures can drop to freezing, the Notman farm had to adapt to challenging conditions. “We’ve installed diesel heaters that activate at zero degrees to keep our equipment operational,” says Peter. To ensure smooth operations during harsh winters, they even keep the rotary milking platform constantly moving in front of heaters.
The daily logistics are no small feat. At 4 a.m., a truck driver arrives at the Walcha farm to load milk for Brisbane, taking brief breaks before embarking on the seven-hour drive. This operation not only ensures fresh milk for Brisbane residents but also guarantees a stable income for the Notmans, thanks to a three-year supply contract worth AUS $0.85 per liter.
A Strategic Approach to Business
The Notmans’ approach underscores a commitment to operational efficiency and people management. Staffing remains a priority, with employees, including some from Indonesia, working early shifts and weekends to maximize productivity. “Our setup means that staff can’t easily borrow equipment, so we train them to handle everything in-house. We’re not just farmers here—we’re technicians,” notes Peter.
The couple’s venture into farming began at a young age. By 21, they had saved enough to purchase their first farm. Reflecting on this journey, Peter shares his advice with younger generations: “Opportunities are what you make of them. In your 20s and 30s, earn twice as much as you spend. That’s how you build something lasting.”
Beyond the Bottom Line
Today, Peter and Elaine Notman are an embodiment of resilience and foresight in the agricultural sector. Their story showcases a blend of innovative farming practices, tenacity in the face of logistical challenges, and a deep understanding of market dynamics. By transporting milk across long distances, they bridge gaps in Queensland’s dairy supply while reinforcing the value of strategic thinking and adaptability in modern farming.
For the Notmans, success is not just about surviving in a tough industry; it's about thriving by seizing opportunities and addressing unmet demand in a growing market.
