Loyalty shines down the line for dairy farmer Henry McKenzie

A lot has changed since Gippsland’s Henry McKenzie started dairy farming in 1970, but one thing has remained the same.

Long tradition: Henry McKenzie at the family dairy farm at Calrossie, near Yarram. Picture: Chloe Smithh

FROM John Gorton to Scott Morrison. From Creedence Clearwater Revival to Taylor Swift.

From flared trousers to coronavirus masks.

Much has changed between August 1970 and present day, but Henry McKenzie’s loyalty to his milk processor has remained rock solid.

Even if the name of the dairy company has changed.

“We started off supplying South Eastern Milk Products,” the Gippsland dairy farmer said.

“Then it became Gippsland Amalgamated Milk Products, then went on to become Murray Goulburn.

“For most of my 50 years in dairy farming it was Murray Goulburn until it was bought out by Saputo a few years ago. Loyalty is important in farming.”

Family ties: The McKenzies in the 1980s, (from left), Henry, his sons Jason and Michael, and Henry’s father, Dave McKenzie. The Gippsland family has stuck to the same milk processor through the

The 70-year-old bought the first portion of his farm, 30 hectares, in August 1970 with 42 cows to milk every morning and evening.

“Over time, I kept adding (paddocks) to the property, to point where we now have 530 acres (214ha),” he said.

Dairying is a multi-generational affair for the McKenzies. Mr McKenzie milked for his father, Dave, after finishing school in the 1960s.

With his wife Lola, they continue to operate their farm along McKenzies Rd in Calrossie, 10km north-east of Yarram. Their son Michael is a share farmer along the same road.

“That’s been one of the great (moments) over the 50 years — buying and improving the farm,” Mr McKenzie said. “That and getting in the top 100 (cell count) list. Being your own boss. Any farmer will tell you that’s one of the best parts of any type of farming.”