Australian Grand Dairy Awards

Australian Grand Dairy Awards

The Australian Grand Dairy Awards are the ‘premier dairy awards’ within the dairy industry. The awards acknowledge quality and excellence in Australian products and celebrate the craft of local producers, while providing a platform to promote high quality Australian dairy.

2024 entry dates and details

Throughout August, an email invitation to enter will be sent to all eligible producers who have won gold at a qualifying competition.  

Tuesday 3rd September 2024 - Entries close for all qualifying Competitions except DIAA NSW and DIAA QLD.  

Tuesday 10 September 2024 - Entries close for those who are eligible from the DIAA NSW and DIAA QLD Competitions*. 

*The later closure date for DIAA NSW and QLD is due to their competition results being released later than all other qualifiers on 29 August and 6 September. Their entry date has been extended to allow them ample time to enter their products following the announcement of results. 

Find out more about this year’s entry and eligibility requirements.

2024 judging dates

Judging will take place at Engie Stadium, Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127.

• Thursday 10th – Friday 11th October 2024 - Delivery of products for judging 
• Tuesday 15th October 2024 - Dairy Judging  
• Wednesday 16th October 2024 - Cheese Judging

Event changes for AGDA 2024

The Australian Grand Dairy Awards are traditionally judged in October and presented in the following February.  Based on significant industry feedback, the awards will now be held closer to the judging date. This year, the awards presentation will be on October 30th, 2024 at the Melbourne Showgrounds.

As we have already held the 2024 Australian Grand Dairy Awards (in February), it means for the first year of this change, we will be presenting the 2024 Australian Grand Dairy Awards for a second time in October. It's a bit unusual, but the added benefit is, it's a double celebration for the Aussie dairy industry!   

For any questions or interest in attending this year's Australian Grand Dairy Awards, please reach out to coordinator@granddairyawards.com.au.

A new partnership

Since 2023, the Australian Grand Dairy Awards have been delivered in partnership with the Royal Agricultural Societies. Specifically, the Royal Agricultural Societies deliver the annual judging of the awards, while Dairy Australia holds an annual event to announce the winners and manage promotional activity.

The eligible entries continue to include RAS and DIAA gold medallists across dairy and cheese categories, and Chief Judge Russell Smith continues to independently select and lead a judging panel and process to ensure objective, fair, and consistent judging.

This partnership further strengthens the awards by leveraging the skills and expertise of both parties.

Dairy Australia and Royal Agricultural Societies are excited about this partnership and the ongoing celebration of quality Australian dairy, and we look forward to delivering AGDA for the industry into the future.