Future-proofing: Evans family farm hosts Dairy Innovation Day 2025
Dairy Innovation Day will centre around the theme 'Future Proofing Your Business' and highlight the importance of proactive planning in an ever-evolving agricultural landscape.
May 2025 is shaping up to be a memorable month for Jindong dairy farmers Grant and Nikki Evans. As they prepare to welcome a new addition to their family, the couple are also gearing up to host Western Dairy’s 26th annual Innovation Day this Thursday, 1 May.
Located in the greater Busselton region, the Evans family has long been a part of the local dairy industry. The farm was established by Grant’s grandfather and later managed by his parents, Peter and Sue. Following the recent completion of the family’s succession plan, Grant and Nikki have now taken the reins of the rotary dairy operation, continuing the legacy into its third generation.
With succession has come significant change, including a major infrastructure upgrade. In 2023, the 30-year-old 50-unit rotary dairy was replaced with a 70-unit automated system, improving efficiency, herd management and data insight. The farm has also seen gradual upgrades to its pond and irrigation systems, along with a new dairy shed and solids pad. Over the past five years, efforts to improve effluent management — supported by Western Dairy and Healthy Estuaries WA’s Dan Parnell — have already delivered measurable benefits.
Up to 250 industry members and farmers are expected to attend tomorrow's on-farm Dairy Innovation Day, which will centre around the theme 'Future Proofing Your Business' and highlight the importance of proactive planning in an ever-evolving agricultural landscape. Attendees will get an up-close look at the Evans’ impressive operation, with scheduled farm tours focusing on 'Effluent Management' and 'Technology in the Dairy'. Guests will also hear from the Evans family, alongside lawyer and Nuffield Scholar Claire Booth, who will present 'How Succession Can Be Painless' — offering insights into the family’s own succession journey and the challenges they navigated.
Having completed a carbon report with agricultural consultant Fiona Smith earlier this year, Grant and Nikki are looking forward to sharing their experience with fellow farmers, hoping others can take away practical insights from the discussion. In her presentation, ‘The Importance of Data and Making It Work for You’, Fiona will explore this topic further, while Dairy Australia (DA) Carbon Project Pilot Lead Cathy Ashby will moderate an expert panel on ‘Implications of Carbon at All Stages of the Supply Chain’.
Cathy’s experience running the pilot program across Western Australia in 2024 offered local farmers insight into their carbon footprint and introduced them to the DA Australian Dairy Carbon Calculator. This year’s Innovation Day will revisit the outcomes of this project.
Dairy Australia is proud to support the 2025 Western Dairy Innovation Day — a chance for industry professionals to connect, see innovation in action, and gain strategies for long-term success.