You start to get a life back! I used to spend my life on the tractor; it was like being on a hamster wheel. The time savings of having fewer inputs have increased our quality of life, and we save costs by doing less.
Nic Dibden
Summary Report
Mountain Valley Dairy Farm, owned by Nic and Erica Dibden, operates with a herd of 400 Jersey cows and calves. The farm has been a long-term user of BEST Terramend Agricultural (TM Ag), producing an impressive 30,000 liters of milk per week. This milk is channeled into their highly successful South Coast Cheese brand, manufactured at the ABC Cheese Factory in Central Tilba, New South Wales.
When the Dibdens acquired Mountain Valley Farm in 2000, it initially ran on a high-input, high-cost, and low-return conventional business model. Seeking a more sustainable approach, they experimented with organic methods such as manure and compost, but their efforts yielded limited success. Their breakthrough came when they consulted Dr. Maarten Stapper, who introduced them to BEST TM Ag.
Over the past seven years, they have applied TM Ag four times annually. This consistent treatment has transformed the farm into a fully natural farming operation. The farm now relies on natural fertilisers such as seaweed and fish emulsion, supplemented with minimal amounts of lime and potassium. Inorganic nitrogen fertilisers are no longer part of their farming practice. The farm cultivates grasses (kikuyu, ryegrass), herbs (chicory, plantain), and cereals (corn, oats) for the livestock feeding.
The Dibdens are delighted with the results of using TM Ag. The treatment has rejuvenated their soil, reduced reliance on high inputs, lowered labor costs, improve forage recovery, and supported a variety of nutritious pasture crops. They have seen the improved forage health and numerous other benefits, all of which have reinforced their commitment to sustainable farming. A noteworthy achievement for the Dibdens came a few years ago when they won first prize in a local earthworm count competition. Their dedication to creating healthier soils earned them not only recognition but also a generous AU$5,000 cheque as a reward for their efforts.
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