About Us

DairySA is a farmer-driven, not-for-profit organisation supporting South Australia’s dairy industry. It is guided by a board of dairy farmers, processors, and professionals, ensuring relevant research and development funding for the region.

Primary Focus Areas

DairySA is guided by dairy farmers and industry experts. Led by a proactive and adaptable board, our core responsibilities include:

  • Identifying strategic investment opportunities within South Australia’s dairy sector
  • Securing funding to implement initiatives that encourage industry growth
  • Supporting research, development and extension programs to improve productivity and sustainability

How we operate

The DairySA Board convenes bi-monthly to:

  • Assess the progress of funded projects

  • Evaluate new project opportunities that align with the industry’s shared vision

  • Provide insights to Dairy Australia to support the delivery of services that benefit the industry

Our Board

Andrew Cavill

Chairperson

Bec Walmsley

Vice Chair

Michael Krichauff

Farmer

Don Stolp

Farmer

Ben McHugh

Farmer

Brad Fischer

Farmer

Shannon Pearson

Farmer

Hamish Browning

Independent Director

Lauren Brinkmann

Independent Director

Appointment of Directors

DairySA is committed to ensuring strong succession planning and developing emerging leaders within South Australia’s dairy industry. The board actively supports and mentors young individuals who show a strong interest in contributing to DairySA.

Nominations open in early September, with candidates interviewed by a selection panel. The successful nominee is announced at the AGM in October.

If you’re interested in learning more about becoming a Director, feel free to connect with one of our Directors or reach out to our Executive Officer at eo@dairysa.com.au

Annual Reports

Find the 2025 DairySA Annual Report here.

Find the 2024 DairySA Annual Report here.

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Andrew Cavill

Chairperson

Andrew Cavill is a dedicated South Australian dairy farmer and the current Chair of DairySA. Based at Bool Lagoon in the state’s South East, Andrew manages Corobinna – a productive family run farm where he works alongside his son Josh and a skilled team to milk 700 Holsteins through a 60-unit rotary dairy. With a lifetime of experience in the dairy industry, Andrew brings a strong practical and strategic perspective to his leadership roles.

Andrew has been a member of the DairySA Board for the past eight years, serving as Chair for the last four. During this time, he has played a key role in shaping and supporting a wide range of programs and initiatives focused on innovation, productivity and regional growth. He also represents South Australia nationally through his involvement on the Dairy Moving Forward committee, helping to align research and development priorities across the broader Australian dairy industry.

A strong advocate for farmer wellbeing, Andrew is passionate about creating a healthy, supportive environment for his staff and the wider dairy community. He champions open communication, flexible working conditions and health focused initiatives on farm, and has been actively involved in bringing mental health support programs to the region. His commitment to leadership, collaboration and care continues to make a lasting impact across the dairy sector.

Bec Walmsley

Vice Chair

Bec Walmsley is a passionate dairy industry professional based on the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia. Originally working in animal nutrition for a local company, Bec’s path intertwined with husband Rob Walmsley’s as they pursued a shared dream of farming together.

With a strong foundation in livestock health and nutrition, Bec brings practical expertise and strategic insight to the couple’s sharefarming operation. Together, they have worked on several high performing dairy farms across South Australia and Victoria, including the notable Blackwood Park Holsteins, where they embraced innovative systems such as fully housed herds, TMR feeding and compost barns. These experiences helped shape their focus on cow comfort, productivity and sustainable practices.

Since 2020, Bec and Rob have been sharefarming at Windy Vale Holsteins in Myponga, a property owned by Fleurieu Milk Company co-owners Chris and Karen Royans. Their approach to farming is progressive and adaptive, with Bec playing a key role in day to day operations, herd performance and broader business decisions.

Bec’s support and involvement have also contributed to the couple’s growing success in the show ring. From IDW to the Adelaide Royal, they’ve celebrated multiple championship wins and continue to develop elite cow families through their breeding program.

Now a mother to daughter Tahlia, Bec balances the demands of family life with her love for dairy farming.

Michael Krichauff

Farmer

Michael Krichauff is a progressive dairy farmer based in the Southern Fleurieu region of South Australia. Michael started dairying in the Myponga area in the early 1990s and alongside his father Peter and family they established a dairy at Three Bridges in 1996 with a 30-a-side herringbone swing-over system. As the business grew and staffing challenges emerged, Michael recognised the need for innovation and began exploring robotic milking technologies to improve efficiency and future-proof the farm.

In response to labour shortages and increasing workloads, Michael led the installation of three GEA robotic milking systems, with infrastructure in place for a fourth. This $1 million investment has delivered impressive results, including enhanced milk quality, better cow health, and reduced somatic cell counts—from nearly 190,000 to between 120,000 and 140,000. The advanced system uses three-dimensional cameras to monitor udder health, detect changes in milk colour and conductivity, and ensure consistency across daily operations. Manual milking time has been reduced from five hours to just 45 minutes per day, significantly improving work life balance for the family.

The robotic system has also transformed the working environment for both people and animals. Cows now move freely and are milked voluntarily, leading to lower stress and improved welfare. The shift to a modern, technology-driven system has encouraged the next generation, with Michael’s daughter recently joining the business full-time.

Don Stolp

Farmer

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Ben McHugh

Farmer

Ben McHugh is a third-generation dairy farmer based in Mount Compass, South Australia, where he and his wife Katie farm in partnership with his brother and parents. The family milks 500 Jersey cows in an all-year-round calving system and also runs a cropping enterprise at Finniss, producing grain and fodder for both their dairy and other markets. Ben has been involved in the dairy industry for over 20 years and holds a Diploma of Agriculture. He currently sits on the DairySA board as the representative for the South Australian Dairyfarmers’ Association (SADA).

In 2023, Ben and Katie led the development of a 2nd dairy, fully off-grid robotic dairy powered by solar energy and battery storage. This new system, equipped with four robotic milkers, has significantly improved animal health and milking efficiency by allowing cows to be milked voluntarily, reducing stress and the risk of disease. The shift to robotics has also eased pressure on the family’s existing herringbone dairy and created a more sustainable and future-ready operation.

A strong advocate for innovation and long-term industry sustainability, Ben was one of the original suppliers to La Casa Del Formaggio, helping pioneer direct supply arrangements with built-in price security. With three sons of his own, Ben is passionate about ensuring the dairy industry remains an attractive, viable option for the next generation of farmers.

Brad Fischer

Farmer

Brad Fischer is a prominent dairy farmer based in Meningie, South Australia, recognised for his innovative approach to dairy farming and commitment to animal welfare.

Alongside his wife, Karin, Brad operates a barn style dairy facility, measuring 220 by 53 meters.This facility, often referred to as a climate-controlled “cow palace,” houses 600 cows and exemplifies modern advancements in dairy farming.

Brad invested $3 million into this state of the art barn system, which allows for total environmental control, ensuring optimal conditions for the cows regardless of external weather.The facility includes a confined feeding area with constant access to a balanced total mixed ration (TMR), a dedicated milking area where cows are milked three times daily and a spacious bedding area featuring a 1.2 meter high layer of soft, fluffy compost developed over six years.This compost bedding provides year-round comfort, promoting better cow health and milk quality.

Brad emphasises the importance of cow comfort, drawing parallels between the needs of animals and humans for shelter and comfort during extreme weather conditions.His approach reflects a broader trend in Australian dairy farming towards barn systems that prioritise animal welfare and productivity.

Through his efforts, Brad Fischer has set a benchmark in the industry, demonstrating how investment in modern infrastructure and animal-centric practices can lead to significant benefits in dairy production.

Shannon Pearson

Farmer

Shannon Pearson is a dairy farmer based in Burrungule, in South Australia’s Lower South East, where she works alongside her husband Adrian and his family on their third-generation dairy farm. Shannon transitioned into dairy after a long career in retail management, gradually taking on roles in the business including bookkeeping, calf rearing, and eventually full-time farm operations. Her move into the industry began with supporting seasonal calving, followed by greater responsibilities in both animal care and dairy work, particularly during a period when her husband required surgery.

Since becoming a full time farmer, Shannon has embraced both the practical and technological aspects of dairy. She plays an active role in milking, calf rearing, herd management, farm administration, and is a strong advocate for continued learning. Shannon has completed online training with Dairy Australia and participated in WoTL’s Stepping Into Leadership program, which helped build her confidence and connect her with a wider network of women in agriculture. She is also a graduate of Dairy Australia’s Farm Ambassador program.

Shannon is passionate about animal welfare, embracing technology in dairy, and capturing farm life through her love of photography. She takes pride in supporting staff, encouraging training opportunities, and welcoming new people into the industry. One of her greatest joys is seeing calves she’s raised join the milking herd. Shannon values the family-focused nature of farm life and the sense of purpose it brings. Off the farm, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons, and finds happiness in life’s simple pleasures—like a hearty lasagne or a quiet coffee after morning milking.

Hamish Browning

Milk Processor representative

Hamish Browning is a passionate agribusiness leader with over 25 years of experience across farming, livestock, meat and dairy. Growing up on his family’s farms in Northern Victoria and the Riverina shaped his connection to agriculture, which has guided his career ever since. He has held senior roles with well known organisations including Elders, Thomas Foods International and Beston Global Food Company, where he led large scale operations and helped build strong farmer and industry relationships. Hamish is currently General Manager, Trading & Milk Supply at La Casa Del Formaggio, a South Australian family owned cheese company.

Throughout his career, Hamish has worked to grow businesses and strengthen supply chains, always with a focus on people, profitability and long-term sustainability. He has helped re-establish dairy operations, led live export programs into new markets and supported regional development through trusted partnerships. His leadership style is grounded in practical experience, strategic thinking and a genuine care for the agricultural community.

Now based in the Adelaide Hills, Hamish lives with his wife Louise and their three children, Oliver, Matilda and Georgia. He enjoys running a small mob of sheep and cattle on their block at Hahndorf, and is actively involved in local sport, sitting on the committees of both the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association and the Hahndorf Cricket Club. Whether on the farm, in the boardroom or on the boundary line, Hamish brings dedication and heart to everything he does.

Lauren Brinkmann

Independent Director

Lauren brings over a decade of leadership and advisory experience in the finance industry, with a specialised focus on agribusiness. Currently a Succession Planner at Next Transition, she partners with clients and businesses across all stages of the lifecycle—from start-up and growth through to periods of challenge, succession, and retirement.

Her deep sector knowledge is rooted in both professional expertise and lived experience. Raised on a farm on the Northern Yorke Peninsula, where she continues to contribute to the family business, Lauren combines financial acumen with a practical, first-hand understanding of the dynamics of family farm operations.

Lauren is passionate about supporting sustainable, long-term outcomes for rural enterprises. Her collaborative approach, strategic thinking, and stakeholder management skills make her a valuable contributor at board level