Peel Valley Milk has picked up a gold medal, as well as four silvers, in the Wilson family's first foray into the Dairy Industry Association national awards.
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While Todd Wilson is a fifth-generation dairy farmer, he only took over the Peel Valley Milk brand late in 2017 - and, despite the dry conditions, has been kicking goals ever since.
The gold medal was awarded for their stock-standard pasteurised whole milk, while the dairy's gold-top, reduced fat, and pure Jersey milk picked up silver medals, as did the double cream.
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"To get a gold medal for our standard whole milk was a nice bit of reassurance that we are doing the right thing, and going in the right direction," Mr Wilson said.
"It means that everyone else thinks the milk is as good as we think it is."
Since taking on the Peel Valley brand and factory on October 1, 2017, the Wilsons have almost doubled their production, and have also picked up a contract to supply the Newcastle branch of the Harris Farm Markets.
"It has been going really well lately, to be honest, particularly the factory side," Mr Wilson said. "When we started we set a target of selling 3000 litres a day, and we are just over that mark."
While the odd spot of rain that has fallen on the Tamworth region during the past few months has made a difference to the landscape, producers are yet to reap too many rewards, and the dairy is no different.
"There is a little bit of green grass popping up, but in general we have been feeding non-stop for two years," he said.
"We could really do with just a little bit of extra support from up above to take some of the pressure off."
While Peel Valley Milk has been kicking goals within the industry, Mr Wilson is also doing his bit for the industry, having started a program where local kindergarten students tour the operation.
"There is a lot of not-so-nice things out there about the industry, so it is important to make the kids question that, see how we treat the animals and put a few smiles on faces."
The schools program, and more importantly the product, have recently seen Peel Valley Milk nominated in the Quality Tamworth Business Awards, being held at the TRECC on August 9.
