On The Land
9 April, 2025
Fifth generation dairy farmer positive on future
FIFTH generation dairy farmer Henry Bevan is a perfect example of the grit and resilience that defines the dairy industry and is one of many producers who are part of the Dairy Farmers’ family which is celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2025.
The Bevan family, with 5th generation farmer Henry Bevan at the helm, has a rich history in dairying, dating back to 1910 on their family farm in Ravenshoe.
Henry is proud to carry on the legacy and together with his wife Anne, they are now raising the 6th generation on the farm.
Farming has been in Henry’s blood from a young age. Growing up on the family farm, he spent his childhood helping with daily tasks such as milking cows or riding the tractor with his father, developing a deep appreciation for agriculture and the hard work that goes into producing quality milk.
Inspired by his father’s dedication, Henry officially joined the family business in 2011, working alongside him before eventually taking over. The family has proudly supplied Dairy Farmers since 1993, when it acquired Malanda Co-Operative (FNQ), and Henry remains committed to carrying on that legacy, ensuring the farm continues to thrive for generations to come.
A typical day for Henry starts early – rising at 4.15am for a hot coffee. He’s outside before the sun rises to get the cows, milking 300 of them before he feeds the calves.
By the time the kids head off to school, Henry has already completed a good portion of the morning’s tasks and made time for brekky. The rest of the day is spent mixing feed, feeding heifers and cows, monitoring stock, planting forages and taking a brief lunch before preparing for the next round of milking.
It’s a full day, but one that Henry continues to embrace with passion and dedication.
The Bevans’ approach to farming is built on strong family values, where everyone plays a role.
With a history that spans nearly as long as Dairy Farmers’ 125 years, the Bevans take pride in their deep roots in Australian dairy.
Henry says that being part of the Dairy Farmers family means more than just supplying milk – it’s about upholding a shared legacy of nourishing communities and supporting the industry for future generations.
One of the main challenges the Bevans faced came when they expanded the farm. With growth came the difficulty of maintaining a healthy work-life balance, as the demands of the farm increased.
“During those challenging times, Bega Group and Dairy Farmers provided invaluable support through the Bega Better Farms grant,” Henry said.
“This grant enabled us to purchase an animal monitoring system, which allows us to track the health of our animals 24/7. This technology has allowed us to stay on top of this crucial task whilst being able to take time off the farm to attend kids events and even a family holiday or two.”
The Better Farms Program is a purpose-led initiative that provides Bega Group’s Australian dairy farmer suppliers with access to targeted training programs and advice, on-farm circularity surveys, and financial grants for capital works projects, with a view to supporting on-farm resource efficiency and greenhouse gas emission reduction. The Better Farms Program distributes up to $1.1 million per financial year.
Henry says the relationship the family has with Dairy Farmers goes beyond just supplying milk.
“We have family members who have worked at the milk factory, and we’ve also been actively involved in youth dairy events that Dairy Farmers has supported,” he said.
“Over the years, we’ve witnessed firsthand the positive impact the Malanda factory has had on our community.”
When Henry looks to the future of dairy in Australia, he sees a sector that is constantly evolving, with farmers embracing innovation to improve sustainability, efficiency and animal welfare.
“We are optimistic and continue to invest in our farm for our future in dairy”, he said.
“Advancements in technology, herd management and sustainable farming practices are helping us to continue to produce high-quality milk more efficiently while ensuring we care for our land and livestock for generations to come.”
Dairy Farmers shares this future-focused vision, with a commitment to supporting Australin dairy farmers and championing the industry’s long-term success.
“For 125 years, Dairy Farmers has been proud to stand alongside generations of farming families,” senior brand manager Anjali De Silva said.
“As we look ahead, our focus remains on celebrating Australian Dairy and supporting innovation for which we need to ensure that the next generation of farmers – like Henry – can continue to thrive.”
