Rea Family's 140-Year Dairy Partnership with Allansford Plant
The Rea family of Allansford in southwest Victoria has celebrated a remarkable milestone, marking over 140 years of continuous milk supply to their local processing plant. This longstanding partnership began in 1888, when the family's patriarch became one of the original six founding suppliers to the Warrnambool Cheese and Butter Factory, now operated under Saputo Dairy Australia.
Tony Rea, the family elder, played a significant role in the farm's development. He started his independent business in 1963 with 45 cows on 54 hectares. In 1966, a key transformation occurred with the shift from traditional metal milk cans to a bulk milk refrigeration vat, improving quality standards and collection efficiencies. Over the years, the farm infrastructure evolved from walk-through structures to a herringbone configuration, culminating in the construction of a rotary milking platform in 1982.
In 2010, a generational transition took place as Tony's son Simon and his wife Pep took over the core dairy operations, expanding the land holding to 460 hectares. Simon's brother Eugene acquired a secondary property nearby. Today, the family manages a herd of approximately 570 purebred Friesian cows with a dedicated team of three full-time specialists and a part-time operator.
The family's influence extends beyond farm management. Tony Rea served as an elected director on the Warrnambool Cheese and Butter Factory board for 27 years and chaired the Sungold Field Days for about 35 years. These roles have strengthened the family's ties to the local community, contributing to Simon's decision to maintain the supply contract with Saputo after its acquisition of the Allansford facility.
Despite his official retirement, Tony Rea remains involved in daily farm activities, handling tasks such as electric boundary fence diagnostics and dairy shelter maintenance. The Rea family's long-term approach to farming has been instrumental in navigating the challenges of the Australian dairy industry, supported by their robust governance structures and strong processing alliances.
