How Picasso Cows program inspired a farmer's path
As a fifth-generation dairy farmer, Tom Wilson has "always had a love for cows." But it was a primary school art project two decades ago that sparked his passion in a creative way.
His school, Jamberoo Public School, was the first in Australia to paint a life-sized cow as part of Dairy Australia’s Picasso Cows program.
The program began in Kiama, NSW, where Jamberoo local and long-time dairy supporter, Lynne Strong, recognised an opportunity to connect and engage the wider community with the dairy industry.
The program was later taken on by Dairy Australia and expanded to a nationwide initiative, teaching students about dairy farming, nutrition, and sustainability through a creative, collaborative art project.
Jamberoo Public’s painted cow even made it to the Easter Show, sparking curiosity from other schools and showing how a simple, hands-on project can connect children to the story of milk and build an appreciation for dairy farming.
“No one had ever done anything like that before,” Tom explained. “Painting a cow really got me thinking about what we do on the farm and why it matters.”
He describes the experience as a stepping stone.
“It might just flick a switch for some kids,” he says. “You start by painting a cow, then you want to know more—how farms work, how to look after animals, how milk is made.”
Today, Tom and his brother Luke lease a farm at Jamberoo on the NSW South Coast where they milk 150 mainly Holstein cows, with a few Jersey crosses, twice a day. The herd produces about 4,600 litres daily - roughly 30 litres per cow - on a pasture-based system with a grain mix feed in the dairy.
Running cows in Jamberoo is as rewarding as it is demanding.
“Seeing the cows happy and the farm looking good—it gives you pride in what you do,” he says. But the coastal climate can be unpredictable. “When it’s wet, we feed hay to keep fibre up. When it’s hot, you’ve got to keep them cool and comfortable.” Small, constant decisions, he says, make all the difference.
Leasing has been the brothers’ pathway into the industry—an opportunity Tom knows not everyone gets.
“It’s not easy for young people to get started, but there are still chances if you work hard and the right doors open,” he says. “Programs like Picasso Cows are important because they get kids interested early and show them what’s possible.”
Over the past two years, the Gardiner Foundation’s sponsorship of Picasso Cows has enabled more schools to take part, helping students connect classroom learning to real-world dairy. The program now reaches approximately 12,000 young Australians each year, educating them on where their food comes from, the important role dairy plays in Australia and potentially inspiring the next generation of dairy professionals.
For Tom, that connection runs deep.
“If kids don’t get that early exposure, they might never know how rewarding this life can be,” he says. “You’re outdoors, working with animals, learning something new every day. It’s a great way to live.”
Head here for more information on how Dairy Australia works to promote Australian dairy and the Picasso Cows program.