White Gold: Celebrating the Winners of the 2025 Australian Milk Quality Awards

Delivered annually by Dairy Australia since 2002, the awards acknowledge the farmers who achieve the highest-quality milk, measured by Bulk Milk Cell Count (BMCC) data supplied by processors each financial year. The 100 farms with the lowest BMCCs receive a gold plaque for their farm gate, while other farms within the lowest five per cent of BMCCs earn a silver diamond.

This year, 195 dairy farms across Australia have been recognised for producing some of the nation’s highest quality milk and demonstrating exceptional herd management and on-farm practices. Dairy Australia’s National Milk Quality and Biosecurity Lead, Dr Zoe Vogels, said the awards are a great recognition of the decisions and investments dairy farmers make, and the hard work they put in to maintain and improve the health of their dairy herds and the quality of milk that is produced.  

“Australia produces some of the world’s best quality milk,” Dr Vogels said. “A low Bulk Milk Cell Count is indicative of good mastitis control. Over the past 20 years of the awards, BMCCs have improved significantly, the result being better cow health and higher productivity and farm profitability”.

Dr Vogels also acknowledged the resilience of farmers who have maintained quality despite challenging seasonal conditions. 

“From floods to drought, our dairying regions have faced significant challenges in the past 18 months − so it has been great to see our Australian dairy farms continue to achieve consistently high-quality milk,” Dr Vogels said. 

The Australian Milk Quality Awards are part of Dairy Australia’s Countdown program, supporting best-practice mastitis control and milking management. Countdown resources - including guidelines, training and technical support - are available at Countdown Mastitis Resources

The full list of 2025 winners are available at Australian Milk Quality Awards