Sam Marwood, the Founder and Managing Director of Cultivate Farms, reports on the information session held at Malanda Dairy Centre in the Atherton Tablelands. Australian Rural & Regional News found out some more about the sharefarming concept from Sam.

Sam Marwood, Cultivate Farms

Reflecting on our recent Tablelands Dairy Pathways Open Information Session held on 2 September 2025 at the Malanda Dairy Centre, it was invigorating to see the community’s shared interest in the future of dairy farming in our region.

We had 48 attendees, including local farmers, aspiring share farmers, business representatives, and community members. The session built on our earlier effort in late 2024 when the project kicked off, marking the first public outing for the full board since its formation earlier this year, and provided a platform to update everyone on our progress.

We delved into the core of our initiative, with board members each sharing their personal motivations and reflections on why this project matters. Drawing parallels with Tasmania’s Circular Head Farms model, the newly formed board discussed creating viable pathways for the next generation to enter farm ownership through structured share farming arrangements, mentorship, and equity-building opportunities. 

Key topics included preserving local heritage and ownership to prevent wealth draining from the community, developing low-risk investment models via unit trusts, and enhancing the dairy supply chain that currently supplies fresh milk to over 500,000 North Queenslanders from our 31 local farms. 

We highlighted economic impacts, such as the potential for an additional 10 million litres of production to inject $35–50 million annually into the region through multiplier effects. The Q&A segment addressed practical queries on farm sizes, aiming for operations viable with 350–500 cows, dividend expectations, share farmer selection processes, and investment options, all while emphasising robust governance and compliance with financial regulations.

Looking ahead, our next steps involve finalising legal structures, conducting due diligence on promising properties, raising community funds, and selecting our inaugural share farmer, with aspirations to complete the first farm acquisition by year’s end. 

The energy in the room was palpable, a blend of optimism and determination that fuels our hope for a resilient, scalable dairy sector tailored to the Tablelands’ fertile landscapes. This isn’t just about sustaining an industry; it’s about empowering young people, supporting retiring farmers with graceful transitions, and enabling community members to invest in something tangible that yields both returns and pride.

We’re heartened by the momentum and eager to propel this forward with even more collaborators. If this vision resonates with any locals, whether as a potential share farmer, investor, retiring landowner, or supporter, please get in touch. Contact Colin Daley  at ourwayholsteins@bigpond.com, or Sam Marwood at sam@cultivatefarms.com or 0408 356 042. 

About Tablelands Dairy Pathways

Tablelands Dairy Pathways, formerly the Far North Queensland Dairy Pathways Program, is a locally owned initiative launched by Cultivate Farms, supported by Southern Ag Management, and funded by the Dairy Farmers Milk Cooperative (DFMC). Drawing on Tasmania’s proven Circular Head Farms model, the project aims to create scalable opportunities for local dairy farm ownership, starting with the purchase of its first farm in the Tablelands.

The newly appointed board, led by Chair Colin Daley and including Mark Kebbell, Rob Cooper, Ross McInnes, Stephen Fisher, Thomas O’Connor, Howard Smith, Trevor Ball and Bill Tranter, brings deep expertise in agriculture and governance. “Our board is committed to revitalising dairy farming by keeping farms in local hands and creating pathways for the next generation,” said Daley.

“The Tablelands’ fertile soils and strong community spirit make it the perfect place to grow our dairy heritage,” said DFMC Executive Officer Mark Kebbell.

The Malanda milk processing facilities are one of the Tablelands’ largest employers, supporting 54 local jobs and supplying fresh milk to over 500,000 people across North Queensland. Dairy farming generates far greater economic turnover in the region than other rural activities, helping keep young people employed locally and sustaining the social and economic fabric of the community.

Interview with Sam Marwood, Founder and Managing Director of Cultivate Farms

ARR.News: How much capital would the average sharefarmer need to get started?

Sam Marwood: We don’t have a set amount, but we will be putting the opportunity out for farmers to apply. We would expect they have been good with their money, no matter how much they have. If they have been good with a little, then they should be good with more. i.e. have they been saving, or investing off farm, or building their own herd slowly with what they can? It is more about their intent and character than about having a set amount of funding or assets. 

ARR.News: What are the usual stages of progression from initial involvement by a sharefarmer through to farm ownership?

Sam Marwood: Sharefarmers start with compensation based on milk solids production; they then retain a portion of heifer calves annually to build their herd equity. Once reaching 50 per cent herd ownership, they can transition to a 50/50 partnership sharing costs and profits, eventually buying farm equity over time toward full ownership. This is a terrific model with clear incentives for both sides and has been proven successful with Circular Head Farms in Tasmania.

ARR.News: Where do the sharefarmers live, do the farms generally have a home on the property already?

Sam Marwood: Sharefarmers live on the property, as most dairy farms include a home as part of the essential infrastructure. This setup supports family life and operational efficiency right from the start.

ARR.News: Is there a reason for expanding the concept from Tasmania first to Queensland rather than elsewhere?

Sam Marwood: We have been supported from the start by Dairy Farmers Milk Cooperative – they saw the potential and they decided, along with a steering committee of well respected dairy farmers, that we should pilot in the Tablelands first, with the ability to scale across the nation once we have proven the model. Queensland’s Atherton Tablelands is a great location due to their ideal climate, fertile soils, strong milk prices, and strong local support.

ARR.News: Do you see potential in Northern Victoria which has seen many dairy farms disappear in recent years?

Sam Marwood: Yes, there’s huge potential and this is where I great up on a dairy farm and would love to see the model replicated in many farming communities in the area. Tthe replicable model can revive disappearing dairy farms in Northern Victoria by creating clear ownership pathways and attracting community investment. It would empower young farmers and restore economic resilience in areas hit hard by industry challenges.

ARR.News: Will the milk produced on the farms be sold to Malanda Milk, thereby providing a reliable client for the farmers?

Sam Marwood: Yes, through the Dairy Farmers Milk Cooperative (DFMC), which negotiates with local processors like Bega, focusing on the fresh drinking milk market and providing reliable outlets including Malanda. This ensures stable income and strengthens the regional supply chain and has been a deliberate strong focus of our work in Tablelands right from the start.

ARR.News: What happens if a sharefarmer finds out that he/she cannot/does not want to continue?

Sam Marwood: If a sharefarmer exits, they can sell their built equity, such as herd or stake, per the agreement with appropriate notice. The board will support a smooth transition to maintain farm operations and find a suitable replacement.

ARR.News: What is the success/failure rate to date?

Sam Marwood: We are just starting in tablelands, but the Circular Head Farm model is going from strength to strength with 11 farmers supported on 11 farms owned by locals.

ARR.News: Have the milk prices offered by milk processors impacted the viability of the concept? 

Sam Marwood: Just like any region, or farming operation, we will make sure that the farming operations can be viable in any situation with commodity prices – ensuring there are risk mitigation strategies for any scenario. We are yet to purchase a farm in the Tablelands and still working through the financial modelling.

ARR.News: What has been the response of the foreign competitors to the arrival of the sharefarmers?

Sam Marwood: We aren’t talking directly with foreign investors – our focus is just on local farming community members.

ARR.News: What has been the response of the local community to the arrival of the sharefarmers?

Sam Marwood: The response has been really enthusiastic—local farmers, businesses, and residents in the region are talking a lot about the momentum and buzz we are creating and our local Board members have been terrific in moving the project forward and they are eager to ensure we are a success for the communities sake. 

ARR.News: What is the ultimate aim of Cultivate Farms?

Sam Marwood: The ultimate aim is to empower aspiring farmers to own profitable farms, revitalise regional communities, and create sustainable, profitable agriculture across Australia. Through innovative models like pathways programs, we address ageing populations and high entry barriers for long-term rural prosperity. We have been searching for solutions for seven years, made over 40 farm ownership matches and inspired thousands of farmers. The Circular Head Farm model is the best we have seen in the world and we are very excited to be now replicating the model, in the hope we can support hundreds of communities and next gen farmers in the coming years.

Australian Rural & Regional News has no financial interest in any business mentioned and would always advise people to do their due diligence before making business decisions.