2:38 min read
As a third-generation dairy farmer, Nick Mignanelli is passionate about the health and welfare of his cows – so much so that he says his herd “probably eats more of a balanced diet than I do”.
Most mornings, Nick rises at the Verde Valley in Hindmarsh Tiers, South Australia, at 3.30am, the same farm his grandparents purchased when they relocated from Italy to Australia in the 1950s.
Dairy Farmer, Nick Mignanelli
By the time 4am comes around, Nick and his team have their hands full. “It never ends,” he says with a cheeky laugh. It’s hard work, but he wouldn’t have it any other way.
Growing up, Nick says he barely had a second to stop and think about stepping into the family business, but he recognises the opportunities it has afforded him and the dedication his family has poured into it. “My grandparents, I’m proud of their story, I’m proud of their work ethic, they mean so much to me. They’re amazing people and to have the opportunity to step into their shoes and take on this work, it means a lot,” he shares.
Today, Nick is cementing his legacy by spearheading innovation at the farm, and despite some initial hesitation from his family, he is proudly improving the wellbeing of his cows and the quality of his milk.
In 2023, Nick was a recipient of Woolworths Group’s Dairy Innovation Fund, a moment that he says changed everything. “It’s been amazing to have had Woolworths’ support over the years, specifically via the grant, because it really did wonders for our business,” he shares.
“I honestly don’t think I would be farming today if I didn’t get the grant … there were a lot of things going on in life at that moment, and I thought, ‘If we aren’t going to be able to innovate, this isn’t where I want to be.’ The grant kept me here and now we’re kicking goals.”
The funds helped Nick improve the efficiency of herd health and milk production on the farm, including the purchasing and installing of automatic cup removers and rumination collars. “Bringing innovation to this farm has been really bloody rewarding,” Nick says proudly. “It’s all helped us have a safer business and we’re also able to run things at a far better standard.”
It’s not just the cows benefiting either, Nick says the promise of industry-leading technology and innovation has helped attract incredible staff who all want to “have a play with tech”.
As Woolworths celebrates its 100th year, Nick says he hopes the future of the partnership continues to be focused on innovation. “New ways of working, innovation, it helps everything. It helps with those long hours … now I can be anywhere in the world and just have to check the app, and I can see where every one of them is at. That’s a game changer,” he says.
