Hicks-Jacobs Dairies
Milking innovation for sustainable dairy farming and business growth
Hicks-Jacobs Dairies, a partnership between two Mount Compass dairy families that combines Misty Downs and Whispering Pines farms, showcases how climate-smart farming and innovation can go hand-in-hand with strong business growth - adapting to climate change with practical, technology-driven solutions. Operating across nearly 2,500 acres on the Fleurieu Peninsula, the dairies use solar and battery systems, off-grid operations, robotics, and precision agriculture to cut emissions and improve efficiency. With a focus on economic and environmental outcomes, the partnership shows strong leadership in sustainable dairy farming in South Australia.
A key initiative has been investing in renewable energy. Solar and battery systems power both dairies, with Whispering Pines operating off-grid and exporting surplus energy during peak solar hours. A solar-powered glacial system makes ice and cools milk, reducing electricity consumption. They’ve also installed heat recovery systems that reuse cooling energy to preheat water, improving efficiency. Variable speed drives on water pumps and motors adjust power use based on demand, further optimising energy consumption.
The introduction of robotics at Whispering Pines has transformed dairy operations. This innovation optimises milk production, improves cow health monitoring, and reduces human intervention, all while contributing to energy savings. Over the past 6.5 years, the dairies have used genomic testing to breed more efficient cows that produce higher milk solids per tonne of carbon emitted. One standout cow achieved a +1.99 kg carbon dioxide emissions (CO₂e) reduction below the national average, according to ECO2 indexes from STgenetics - the agriculture industry’s first genomic index to quantify lifetime methane savings of dairy females and terminal beef cattle based on reducing enteric methane emissions.
Water use is precise and efficient. Water is reused up to four times—for heat exchange, cleaning, and irrigation—minimising waste. Irrigation is solar-offset and targeted only where needed, while bore-fed troughs reduce reliance on dams and creeks. Pasture improvements, such as the introduction of perennial pastures like lucerne and phalaris, have improved drought resilience. These deeper-rooted plants draw more water, improve soil stability, and require fewer inputs than annual pastures, making them a more sustainable choice in a changing climate.
Tree planting is a long-standing passion. Each year, the farms plant 1,000 trees, providing shade and shelter for their herd, improving carbon sequestration, and animal welfare by reducing heat stress.
Precision agriculture is embedded throughout operations. GPS-guided tractors and contractor-run equipment enable targeted fertilising, spraying, and seeding, reducing overuse, resistance, and diesel consumption—delivering both climate and cost benefits.
Perrin Hicks reflects, “Economic sustainability must come first,” but the focus is now on measuring outcomes like growing more grass per hectare. Future plans include exploring further innovations to continue their sustainability journey. Hicks-Jacobs Dairies is a standout example of South Australia’s dairy sector taking real action on climate.
Please note that the information provided has been submitted by the organisation and has not been independently verified.
