A third-generation farming family from north-east Tasmania whose business was started by their grandfather has claimed the prestigious title of 2026 ANZ Dairy Business of the Year Award, announced at the DairyTas Dairy Awards in Devonport.
A strong focus on herd and pasture management helped the Ringarooma family run dairy business, Northview Estate, secure the title.
Northview Estate is owned and managed by brothers Geoff and Stan Cox. Their dairy farm has grown to 1350 milking cows.
Judges were impressed with the high level of pasture and milk production per hectare. The production was driven by a high stocking rate without compromising cow performance and resulting in above average per hectare profits.
“The brothers continue to drive improvement by reinvesting in critical infrastructure to maintain and improve animal health and welfare and cow performance,” said TIA Dairy Development Extension Officer and judge Symon Jones.
“They also continue to improve efficiency in and around the workplace and ensure staff are safe and supported.
“The farm is self-contained with all young stock grown out on farm support blocks and were assessed by the judges as outstanding.”
The ANZ Dairy Business of the Year Award is conducted by the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA) as part of the Dairy Farm Monitor Project, which is funded by Dairy Australia and TIA. About 30 farm businesses participate in the program to have their physical and financial performances benchmarked.
The free benchmarking program considers a range of efficiency and performance indicators of dairy farming businesses factors including financial, management, pasture, herd size and environment.
The 2026 Lactalis-Mainland Dairy Share Dairy Farmer of the Year Award was also awarded at the Tasmanian Dairy Awards. It was presented to Ryan and Brighid Langley, who are share farming for Circular Head Farms on the Redpa Blue property at Redpa.
“Ryan and Brighid were selected on their outstanding performance, not only as sharefarmers but for also being finalists in the Dairy Business of the Year Award,” Mr Jones said.
“Their achievements as sharefarmers is testimony to what can be achieved through hard work and determination combined with careful planning, farm management skills across all aspects of their business including pasture management, animal health, and the environment.
“They are a dynamic young couple who demonstrate that anything is possible through hard work and commitment.”
Chair of DairyTas, Luke McNab, said the event was an important opportunity to bring Tasmania’s dairy industry together to recognise achievement, share in success and celebrate the contribution of farmers, businesses and individuals across the sector.
“It’s always a privilege to celebrate the people and businesses who continue to drive Tasmania’s dairy industry forward,” Mr McNab said.
“The awards highlight the dedication, innovation and resilience shown across our industry, while also providing a valuable opportunity to come together, connect and reflect on the achievements of the past year.
“Events like this strengthen the sense of community within our industry and remind us of what can be achieved when we continue to support and collaborate with one another.”
Results of the 2026 DairyTas dairy industry Awards:
- ANZ Dairy Business of the Year Award: Northview Estate, owned and managed by Geoff and Stan Cox, Ringarooma
- Lactalis-Mainland Dairy Share Dairy Farmer of the Year Award: Ryan and Brighid Langley, Redpa Blue as part of Circular Head Farms
- Saputo Sustainability in Dairy Award Ken and Jill Lawrence
- Rex James Stockfeed Innovation in Dairy Award Troy Ainslie
- Blackley Pipelines & Irrigation Dairy Employee of the Year Award Paula Beauclerk
- Aurora Energy Dairy Workplace of Excellence Award Trinity Pastures
- Mondelez Young Dairy Farmer Encouragement Award Will Hurst
