"IT'S IN MY BEST INTEREST TO CARE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT" Emma Elliott of The Little Big Dairy Co
In the heart of Dubbo, NSW, a remarkable story unfolds at The Little Big Dairy Co, where Emma Elliott and her father, Steve Chesworth, are not just dairy farmers, but they regard themselves as environmentalists.
Their journey showcasing the importance of embracing new and sustainable practices in the dairy industry to benefit both the environment and the bottom line.
Entrepreneurial Spirit and Innovation in Dairy Farming
For Emma, growing up on a dairy farm in Australia meant witnessing firsthand how dynamic agriculture and business can be. Her parents embraced the entrepreneurial spirit, constantly innovating and improving their operations. From leasing farms to adopting new technologies, the Chesworth family has always been at the cutting edge of change. A key lesson from Emma's childhood,
"If you always do what you've always done, you'll always have what you've already got"
has guided her in establishing The Little Big Dairy Co. This company is dedicated to delivering the best-tasting single-source milk while maximising the returns for her family's efforts on the farm.
Make it stand out
A Holistic Approach to Business and Sustainability
The Chesworth family operates two distinct entities: the farm and the factory. However, they see all their endeavours as part of a single mission.
The factory financially supports the farm by purchasing milk, allowing them to control the entire product journey from milking to bottling. This integration ensures the quality and integrity of their single-source Australian dairy milk.
“As we keep moving and changing, we have to keep looking inward and outward and looking from above and looking forward and investigating new ways of doing things to make sure that we are doing it the best way,” says Emma
This approach has enabled them to add value to their products and reflect the true cost of production accurately, rather than merely being price takers.
At the heart farmers are environmentalists
For Steve and Emma, caring for the land is not just a matter of stewardship; it's vital for their livelihood.
"I believe farmers, certainly in my experience, have always been the most important environmentalists," Steve asserts.
"What we probably see these days is that we're better at telling that story."
They are dedicated to a circular approach, minimising waste, and maximising resources, while supporting their local community.
Their sustainability initiatives are numerous and varied. From reusing wastewater and installing solar-powered bores to transitioning to eco-friendly packaging, the Chesworths are committed to reducing their environmental impact.
One of their most significant achievements is a comprehensive water system that recycles and reuses water for irrigation. This system conserves valuable resources and reduces reliance on synthetic fertilisers.
Sustainability is an Investment
For the Chesworth family, sustainability is both an ethical and practical choice.
"Almost always, decisions that are made for investing in new technology that are good for our conservation are almost always good for our bottom line as well," says Emma.
Their commitment to sustainable practices ensures that they are not only environmentally responsible but also economically viable. This approach allows them to make informed decisions that benefit both the planet and their business.
Steve and Emma walk through one of their corn crops
Building Trust with Consumers
Transparency and consumer trust are crucial for Emma and Steve. They believe that consumers want to know where their milk comes from and trust that farmers are investing in sustainable practices.
"Australian dairy farmers are so privileged to have the trust of our customers and our consumers," Emma notes.
However, she also emphasises the importance of fair pricing, as implementing sustainable practices can be costly.
"If we're not equipping them with the information, then we really can't expect them to pay more, because they don't know," Emma adds.
This commitment to transparency has been a cornerstone of Little Big, ensuring that their customers understand and support their dedication to sustainability.
The story of The Little Big Dairy Co is a powerful reminder of the potential for innovation and sustainability in the dairy industry.
Emma Elliot and Steve Chesworth are not just producing high-quality milk; they are setting a standard for environmentally responsible farming.
Their holistic approach, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to transparency have earned them the trust of their consumers and positioned them as leaders in sustainable dairy farming.
As they continue to look inward and outward, forward and above, the Chesworths exemplify the profound truth that caring for the environment is, indeed, in their best interest.
Paid Partnership Transparency:
Humans of Agriculture have been fortunate enough to engage in a paid agreement powered by the NSW Government, Dairy NSW, and Dairy Australia to gain first-hand insight into the Australian Dairy Industry and share it with our audiences and more broadly. This six-part series includes video, podcasts, photography and written content (like what you’ve just read) and is made possible by the Australian and NSW Government’s Storm and Flood Industry Recovery Program.