Build knowledge of the dairy industry

Sam & Rachel Nicholson along with their three boys Albert (6), Joey (3) & Wilbur (1) Dairy on the Mid North Coast of NSW, 20 minutes outside of Taree.

Running 220 milkers on a year-round calving with the herd being a Holstein & Jersey with X-bred make up. PMR feeding set up to compliment the pasture that is grown, with a Kikuyu base throughout the Summer and annually planted Ryegrass throughout the Winter, their farm is subject to flooding due to low flood plain location between the Manning River & the Ghinni Ghinni creek.

Sam was fortunate to grow up dairying with his family having a leased dairy close to the farm they have now. His passion for dairying and agriculture being engrained from an early age. With Sam naturally being drawn to agriculture he completed Ag Business Managements at CSU in Orange NSW.

Purchasing the farm they have now in partnership with Sam’s parents, their business has been in growth from infrastructure and machinery with succession transitions occurring along the way.

Sam suggests to anybody that is interested in the industry to enrol in any of the courses that are available, many courses have a small or no fee, start with the basic and build your knowledge sensibly. Feeding calves and relief/casual milking is a terrific way to start in the dairy industry. Building your wealth when the opportunity arises, having your own machinery and building a small herd of cows.

Abby McMillan, NSW Member Services Officer