Michael Wohlstadt's Jersey Herd: Key to Award-Winning Dairy Success

Michael Wohlstadt has been recognized as Australia's 2025 Producer of the Year at the Delicious Harvey Norman Produce Awards. Operating on a 32-hectare farm in South Australia's Barossa Valley, Wohlstadt has maintained a traditional mixed farming approach for over 45 years. His small herd of 20 Jersey cows forms the foundation of his diversified farm, which includes vineyards, free-range pigs, and B&Bs.

Approximately 15 years ago, Wohlstadt pivoted fr om the commodity model of selling raw milk to processors to converting all milk production into food items. This strategic shift allowed him to produce value-added products such as butter, cream, buttermilk, and Italian cheeses like ricotta and mozzarella, utilizing a four-stand walk-through milking machine built 40 years ago.

The farm exemplifies a circular economy, wh ere the dairy stream is fully utilized. Pigs are fed with whole milk, skim milk, and whey, making Wohlstadt's herd one of the only milk-fed pig herds in Australia. Male dairy calves are raised for veal, ensuring every component of the milk output supports the business.

Wohlstadt emphasizes the benefits of engaging with chefs and customers at farmers' markets, allowing him to receive direct feedback and tailor his products accordingly. This connection to consumers, he believes, provides a significant advantage over industrial-scale production.

At age 68, Wohlstadt continues to handle the milking, with each cow producing an average of 6,000 litres annually. He hopes his approach encourages other farmers to explore value-adding strategies for greater financial stability and personal satisfaction.