Nestled in the quaint main street of Tilba, New South Wales, Tilba Dairy is not just a business; it’s a cornerstone of the local economy, a lifeline for the community, and a symbol of resilience in the ever-changing landscape of rural communities that are reliant on agriculture.

Under the leadership of the husband-wife partnership of Erica and Nick Dibden, Tilba Dairy has had a profound influence on the local economy, supporting the local workforce, the local town, and farming practices that extend far beyond its humble beginnings.

Revitalising Rural Communities

The communities surrounding Tilba were once bustling with numerous dairy farms, but with a shift in farming types, challenging economic pressures and changing land values, so too did the number of farms in the region.

Remaining steadfast Tilba Dairy  has been able to avoid this trend,, evolving its business model to include not just dairy farming but also cheese production and retail operations. This vertical integration of the business has allowed it to thrive and continue to support the local community.

"Tilba is like a memory," Erica says, capturing the essence of the town.

The dairy's presence helps preserve the town’s historical and cultural identity, which is deeply rooted in its agricultural past.

By maintaining traditional farming practices and producing high-quality, local products, Tilba Dairy reinforces the town's unique character and attracts tourists, further boosting the local economy.

Sustaining the Local Workforce and Economy

Tilba Dairy plays an essential role in sustaining the local economy by providing employment opportunities and supporting local businesses. The business directly employs around 30 people, and the ripple effect of its operations extends even further.

"If you took the factory out of Tilba, you would take the lifeblood out of Tilba," says Erica Dibden, highlighting how crucial the dairy is to the town’s vitality.

The factory not only supports direct employment but also plays an important role in supporting additional economic activities, such as contractors and logistics companies as their product is distributed widely across Victoria as well as across the borders into Sydney and Canberra.

"The economic viability of having a business like ours is immeasurable and invaluable," Erica emphasises.

Commitment to Sustainable Farming

Under Erica Dibden’s leadership, Tilba Dairy is committed to sustainable farming practices that not only protect the environment but also ensure the long-term viability of the local farming community.

Erica and the team take a personal view on producing high quality dairy products from their farm and ensure that they are responsible for managing farm inputs such as chemicals and fertiliser.

“What I feed other people is what I feed my family” Erica says.

The dairy’s focus on quality over quantity has paid off, with their products gaining a loyal customer base who appreciate the companies superior taste and ethical production methods.

Erica proudly notes, "Once they have Tilba, they don't go back," emphasising the strong customer loyalty that has been built off the back of their commitment to sustainability and quality.

The Broader Impact on Regional Agriculture

Beyond its immediate economic contributions, Tilba Dairy has a broader impact for regionally focused agricultural businesses, acting as an example of how small-scale farming can be both economically viable and environmentally sustainable.

The Dairy’s success story is one of resilience, adaptability and finding new ways to evolve the business.

Erica reflects on the challenges they’ve faced, from droughts to economic pressures, and how they’ve overcome them by staying true to their values and focusing on what they do best - producing high-quality dairy products.

"We're different in that we're marrying two aspects together so we can control everything from the soil through to the customer," she explains, highlighting the holistic approach that has been key to their success.

The Dibden family are incredibly passionate about the role their business plays in their hometown, and the importance of dairy to small towns just like Tilba, across Australia’s dairy regions.

As Erica says,

"The economic viability of having a business like ours is immeasurable and invaluable."

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.