Over the past three decades, and influenced by Sandy’s family, Julie and Sandy have built a vision for Meredith Dairy: “We strive to produce food sustainably”. This means reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting and promoting natural biodiversity, as well as farming to maintain natural assets. Some initiatives include planting trees, using renewable energy, controlling weeds, protecting natural ecosystems including waterways, and managing waste.
In 2023, they protected nearly 30 ha of grassy woodland forever with a conservation covenant. Sandy and Julie’s first land purchase contained the only area of remnant Manna Gums on the entire farm, and it was where Julie spotted a wild Koala for the first time
In 2023, they protected nearly 30 ha of grassy woodland forever with a conservation covenant. Sandy and Julie’s first land purchase contained the only area of remnant Manna Gums on the entire farm, and it was where Julie spotted a wild Koala for the first time
“We needed to revegetate a lot of the site. Now, 35 years on, it is so special,
because we grew many of these trees ourselves. We collected seed from the remnants that were here to ensure we planted the correct species. These trees have grown from tiny seedlings into mature trees and habitat for birds and animals,” says Julie.
because we grew many of these trees ourselves. We collected seed from the remnants that were here to ensure we planted the correct species. These trees have grown from tiny seedlings into mature trees and habitat for birds and animals,” says Julie.
“We fenced it off to prevent stock from grazing the grasslands. We got busy and didn’t visit the site for five years. When we looked at it again, we found all these
amazing grassland orchids and everlasting daisies. We had experts visit who were just amazed by the biodiversity even within a square metre.”
amazing grassland orchids and everlasting daisies. We had experts visit who were just amazed by the biodiversity even within a square metre.”
Blue Devils (Eryngium ovinum) flower in summer.
The property protects some of the critically endangered woodland and grassland of the Victorian Volcanic Plains, of which more than 90 per cent has been cleared on the plains west of Melbourne. The property is home to the threatened Golden Sun Moth, Clover Glycine and native orchids. Although part of the farm was impacted by fires in January 2026, the covenant was spared.
“Knowing that there is so little Victorian Volcanic Grasslands left intact, I want to make sure this is still here for future generations. It’s a benchmark to show us what species should be present when we want to restore habitat in the future.
“We regularly survey the covenant so that as the climate changes we can adapt how we manage what needs to be protected and what we can do to make sure that the losses are not too enormous,” says Julie.
Growing up in the Flinders Rangers in South Australia, Julie had always been immersed in the environment. When she came to the western plains, she was struck by the difference between the landscapes and enjoyed learning about this unique environment.
Julie’s property protects important woodland and grassland.
“Every year we discover something new. This year we recorded a new bird for the property. I couldn’t believe it the year we found yam daisies.”
She has a picture of their daughter with a remnant she-oak from nearly 30 years ago. The tree has since fallen, but around it new saplings have grown.
“We’re seeing the whole lifecycle of nature,” says Julie.
Maintaining that life cycle is core to Meredith Dairy, and Julie encourages other farming businesses to consider how they can work with nature.
“It strengthens the brand and consumers are looking for where their food comes from,” she says. “If you’re using natural assets to make an income, then you need to protect those natural assets. At Meredith Dairy our aim is to produce food sustainably. That means protecting native ecosystems like this covenant.”
Mistletoebirds help spread the seeds of mistletoe to new host trees. Image: Adam Fry.