Personalised dairy could add $112m to industry

The Dairy Cocoon Platform was developed by Cressida Cains from Pecora Dairy, and assists farmers in formulating business plans, getting access to education, and connects them with community expertise, and mentors in the industry. 

Cains explains to The Australian Farmer, “If Dairy Cocoon was to assist just 25 small dairy farms over five years to transform up the value chain, it would mean a total of 190 new jobs created and a total economic impact both direct and indirect of $112m.

“We need to better protect and nurture our own dairy industry and the small businesses that provide jobs and stimulate local economies.”

In the 1980s there were 22k dairy farms in this country, now, we have a little over 5k, according to Cains. David Littleproud, Minister for Agriculture, notes that some 500 dairy farms have closed in the last 12 months. 

“The iconic image that we all know of the Aussie dairy farmer looking out over his paddock of cows is in great danger of becoming obsolete,” says Cains.

“On the other hand, we have a situation where we are importing a huge amount of specialty cheese and yogurt. Australian's appetite for dairy is growing and every year, our imports grow.”

Users will be able to access tailored training and education, including online courses and webinars. The platform also provides farmers the opportunity to write up their own business plans and receive advice from peers on the platform about profit, loss, sales, and marketing.

The Australian Dairy industry is under pressure from a changing environment, increased feed prices, and a tightly held retail market that leaves farmers with little bargaining power. However, Cains hopes that her platform can solve these problems. 

“I believe there is an opportunity for a willing small family-owned dairy farm to break the shackles of being price takers and take back control of their businesses. They can do this by adapting their business and transforming up the value chain to produce a unique branded product. This means branded milk, yogurt, gelato, or cheese. Dairy Cocoon will assist to remove the hurdles for willing small dairy farmers to transform so they can have a profitable and long term future.

“I have seen small dairies in Australia transform and create fantastic brands. I firmly believe there is a bright and profitable future for small dairy farms in this country.

“We are consuming on average 4000 tonnes of extra imported cheese every year. If this current trajectory is to continue, Australia is set to become a net importer of dairy. A pretty sobering situation.

“If Dairy Cocoon can stop just a handful of small family-owned dairy farming businesses from closing their farm gates, then my project has been a success”.