South Australian Dairy Awards Honour Producers in 2026

The South Australian Dairyfarmers’ Association held its annual awards gala alongside the 90th anniversary of its founding. The programme recognised farm businesses and individuals for work involving technology, breeding, supply-chain cooperation and environmental management.

Rockwella Farm Holsteins received recognition in both the technology and youth categories. Wes Hurrell was named Innovative Farmer of the Year after investing over an extended period in herd genetics, precision monitoring, renewable power on the farm and automated milking systems.

James Hurrell, aged 24, won Young Dairy Farmer of the Year. He was recognised for directing the design and commissioning of a large robotic dairy facility while also managing the farm’s genomic breeding programme.

The Best Relationship with a Processor Award went to Grant and Deb Jolley of Jolley Farms for their partnership with Fleurieu Milk Company. The award cited cooperation between a milk supplier and an independent regional processor, including communication, operating reliability and trust. Jolley Farms was also recognised for maintaining consistent compositional and hygiene standards in its milk.

James Mann and the team at Donovan’s Dairying received the 2026 Foodland Sustainability Award. The business, located in South Australia’s south-east, uses precision pasture management, water-efficiency measures, solar and other renewable-energy systems, and nutrient-recycling practices.

The awards also identified investment in robotic milking, herd genetics and environmental systems among the approaches being used by South Australian producers. The source said farmers were operating amid climate variability, higher input costs, changing global commodity values and market uncertainty. It attributed the awards information to Dairy News Australia and SADA.