Meningie dairyfarmer Brad Fischer has won the dairy industry’s Foodland Sustainability Award.

It was awarded at the 2025 South Australian Dairy Award Gala held at Adelaide Oval on Friday night and hosted by the Dairy Industry Association of Australia’s South Australian branch.

Set against the theme of “A Dairy Wonderland”, the event brought together more than 300 farmers, processors and industry leaders for a night of celebration and recognition.

The awards recognise the best of South Australia’s dairy industry, from innovative farming practices and sustainable leadership to strong processor relationships and the rising stars shaping the future.

Mr Fischer and his family operate a large-scale, multi-enterprise farm in the Coorong, home to 600 dairy cows, a beef herd and cropping operation.

Foodland supermarkets general manager of marketing Danielle Watts said sustainability was at the heart of everything Mr Fischer does on farm, from activity collars, genomic testing, and automated feed pushing, to solar-powered irrigation and remote barn visibility.

“Brad has made data his most valuable tool, a weapon, as he puts it, to drive efficiency, resilience, and environmental care,” she said.

“Brad’s proactive approach has seen him adapt to challenges such as drought and processor changes with resilience and innovation.

“His recent milestone, planting 6000 native trees as part of a 10,000 tree plan, is a lasting commitment to environmental stewardship.

“A respected leader in the broader industry, Brad serves on the Dairy SA board and mentors’ younger farmers, sharing his insights generously.

“For Brad, sustainability isn’t a buzzword, it’s a promise to the next generation.”

Mr Fischer said it had been a particularly challenging time, being one of the producers owed a significant amount of money following the closure of the Beston Global Food Company, coupled with the worst season in a century.

“In 25 years of farming, the last 18 months have felt the furthest from sustainable,” he said.

“From the drought to the Beston closure, there hasn’t been much to celebrate.

“All I’ve ever tried to do is make calls that felt right for our team, our cows and our business.

“To find out that people have noticed, I’m humbled and blown away.”