Miti's Innovative Approach to Dairy Surplus Wins Acclaim in Australia

Miti, a New Zealand-based agribusiness, has been recognized with the Australian Dairy Conference Innovator Award for its innovative solution to a long-standing challenge in the dairy industry. Founder Daniel Carson accepted the award in Melbourne, highlighting Miti's ability to transform surplus dairy-origin calves into high-value protein snacks.

The company's business model focuses on raising bobby calves to 12 months old and using their meat in nutrient-dense snack bars. This approach addresses the dairy sector's scrutiny over the treatment of bobby calves and aims to create more value with less environmental impact.

In Australia, Miti is expanding its operations through a pilot project in Tasmania. Carson noted that Australia faces a similar surplus calf issue, with approximately 400,000 dairy-origin calves lacking high-value pathways each year. The pilot project aims to integrate with existing dairy systems, finishing animals younger and designing processing around lighter carcasses.

Miti's success is built on collaboration with dairy and beef sectors to unlock new revenue streams and improve welfare outcomes. Carson emphasized the importance of not altering farming practices but enhancing infrastructure and sales channels to properly value existing outputs.

Carson's vision includes leveraging dairy's lean protein for modern food manufacturing, thus bridging the gap between traditional processing infrastructure and the needs of contemporary food markets. The award comes with a A$3,000 travel bursary for Carson's professional development, signaling support from the dairy sector for structural innovation.