Our island
King Island isn’t just famous for its rugged coastline — it’s home to some of the cleanest air on Earth. Shaped by the Roaring Forties winds and consistent rainfall throughout the year, the island’s unique micro-climate creates ideal conditions for growing pasture year-round.
Unlike many regions, King Island is blessed with a stable, temperate climate — no frosts or snow, and no harsh heatwaves. That means our cows graze freely 365 days a year on salt-sprayed grass that imparts a rich, sweet character to the milk — milk that our expert cheesemakers craft into the distinctive flavours of King Island Dairy.
Our farms
We operate two farms on King Island, spanning 4,250 acres (1,720 hectares) and home to approximately 1,300 milking cows. Our farming practices blend tradition with innovation — maintaining strong pasture growth through rotational grazing, and upholding time-honoured, grass-fed methods adapted to suit King Island’s environment. It’s a contemporary take on sustainable farming, rooted in respect for the land and the animals we care for.
Our milk
Exceptional cheese starts with exceptional milk. That’s why provenance matters so deeply to us. Our milk is pure, rich, and 100% local — with 95% coming from our own farms just minutes from our island dairy.
Our grass-fed cows graze daily on mineral-rich pastures and breathe clean ocean air, producing milk with exceptional flavour, creaminess, and consistency — a true expression of King Island’s unspoiled environment. Fresh milk is collected by tanker every single day of the year, ensuring quality and freshness from paddock to vat.
Our herd
Our herd of around 1,300 milking cows is a carefully selected cross-breed of Norwegian Red, Jersey, and Friesian. This combination isn’t just resilient — it’s ideal for King Island’s coastal climate, and well-suited to the open grazing lifestyle our farms provide.
The breed mix also offers the optimal milk composition for cheese-making — with the high butterfat and protein content our artisan cheeses are known for. These cows are bred for longevity, which helps reduce emissions per litre of milk produced. Longer-lived cows mean fewer unproductive early years, and a more sustainable herd overall.
Technology
Looking ahead, we’re investing in state-of-the-art automatic milking systems designed with animal wellbeing in mind. When implemented with care, these systems allow cows to be milked when they choose — improving comfort and enabling real-time health monitoring across the herd.
We’re also investing in a tailored pasture management system that reduces reliance on chemicals and fertilisers. By researching and selecting the ideal seed mix for King Island’s unique environment, we’re growing resilient pastures naturally suited to the land — creating healthier soil, stronger grass, and better outcomes for our cows and the environment
