Northview Estate Wins 2026 Tasmanian Dairy Business of the Year
Northview Estate, a prominent third-generation family dairy farm located in Ringarooma, north-east Tasmania, has been recognized with the 2026 ANZ Dairy Business of the Year Award. Managed by Geoff and Stan Cox, the farm has expanded significantly since its establishment by their grandfather and now milks a herd of 1,350 cows.
The award was announced at the DairyTas Dairy Awards held in Devonport, highlighting the farm's efficiency and success in a competitive sector. Judges from the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA) noted the farm's high levels of pasture utilization and impressive milk solids production per hectare. The Cox brothers maintained a high stocking rate while ensuring animal welfare and herd performance, resulting in above-average profitability.
Northview Estate is self-contained, raising its replacement stock on high-quality support blocks on-site. Symon Jones, TIA dairy extension officer and award judge, attributed the farm's success to continuous reinvestment in infrastructure that enhances animal health, cow comfort, and workplace safety. This focus has maximized labor efficiency.
The farm was evaluated alongside 30 other Tasmanian dairy operations as part of the Dairy Farm Monitor Project, a benchmarking program funded by TIA and Dairy Australia. This program analyzes key physical and financial performance indicators.
Additionally, Ryan and Brighid Langley received the 2026 Lactalis-Mainland Dairy Farmer of the Year Award for their work at Circular Head Farms on the Redpa Blue property. They were recognized for operational skills, pasture management, and environmental stewardship, and were finalists in the overall Dairy Business of the Year category.
Other awards included the Saputo Sustainability in Dairy Award, given to Ken and Jill Lawrence, and the Rex James Stockfeed Innovation in Dairy Award, presented to Troy Ainslie. DairyTas Chair Luke McNab emphasized that the annual awards foster community cohesion and celebrate collective achievements in Tasmania's export-focused dairy sector.
