THE FAMILIES BEHIND OUR DELICIOUS MILK!
THE WHITING FAMILY
Linda & Andrew grew up in practical farming environments. Andrew is
the fourth generation of farmers from the Noorat / Kolora district while
Linda’s family farmed at Kennedy’s Creek for over a century.
After they were married they purchased their own farm with a
determination to create an enterprise which was markedly different from
the conventional dairying processes used in Victoria.
“We are aiming to produce a carbon neutral product and believe this
would be a great feature for Otway Pastures” Linda said, ”Andrew and I
have been able to eliminate all chemical inputs to the pastures grazed
by our cows.. We don’t apply any nitrogen or artificial fertilisers, nor do
we use pesticides or herbicides, we spread small amounts of compost
and strategically use effluent waste.
After four years our soil is much better for it, we grow more and better
pasture and most importantly are sequestering more carbon. This will
improve the water holding capacity of our soil, encourage soil diversity
and give us nutrient cycling which is the basis of regenerative
agriculture.
Recent testing measured over 12 years by the CSIRO has shown
wonderful gains in our ability to store carbon deeper in our soil with
results among the best in Victoria.
THE DAVIS FAMILY
Forty years ago Reggie Davis left school at the age of sixteen
and came home to join his parents on the family farm. Reggie,
is the fourth generation to milk cows on the existing farm, fully
supported by his wife Tanya and their son Lachie, the fifth
generation to join in the growth and management of the Lilydale
Dairy Farms enterprise following his successful graduation from
Marcus Oldham Agricultural College
Reggie said recently “In 2008 we began to develop and
commence the use of regenerative farming methods in order to
improve our soils and our pastures so as to increase the
environmental impact, the quality of the product and the
productivity of our farms. We began making compost on a very
large scale to reduce our use of synthetic fertilisers. Sixteen
years later we have made dramatic improvements to our farm,
following the introduction of these sustainable and responsible
farming practises.
We are proud to be a supplier to Otway Pastures, an Australian
farmer owned company. More than ten years ago we became a
founding member of the company and we still remain
passionate about our product and farming methods. We believe
by producing healthier soils and grass, the cow produces
healthier milk. Otway Pastures milk remains a reflection of our
carbon friendly, responsible farming techniques.
Tim grew up on a dairy farm and, after leaving school, worked for a time
in a hardware store but the lure of farming drew him back, first as a
share farmer.
Tim married his childhood sweetheart and they have four children and
10 grandchildren, Sally is heavily involved in all aspects of the family
farm and offers great support to the enterprise.
In 1993 they bought their first farm and five years later sold it to move to
a better prospect where they farm today.
Tim commented “Since 2010 we have changed from using synthetic
fertilisers to using compost on the farm. We also incorporate multi
species crops within our pastures; this regenerative farming practice
ensures the soil and the living organisms within the soil are well looked
after, ensuring a higher quality pasture and therefore a higher quality
product”.
The McGlades were founding members of the Otway Pastures milk
brand’s establishment and Tim and Sally remain passionate about
Otway Pastures. They are proud to produce a single origin, Australian
owned and made milk product for all to enjoy.