Cressida and Michael Cains are award-winning cheesemakers in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, who have set up a peer-to-peer energy trading scheme that allows them to trade surplus energy from their solar panel and battery system.

In this episode we will learn how they set their system up and the dramatic changes it meant for their business, including the goal of being energy positive on farm. 

The Cains are always looking for ways to innovate and are well on their way to becoming carbon neutral. In 2020 Cressida was the AgriFutures National Rural Women’s Award National Runner Up, and in 2021 she launched Dairy Cocoon, a not-for-profit digital platform and support hub which provides a pathway for willing dairy farmers to begin their journey up the value chain. 

The National Winner and Runner Up of the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award will be announced at a Gala Dinner and National Announcement on Tuesday, 12 September 2023 at the Great Hall, Parliament House in Canberra. Tickets are now on sale, to read more visit: https://agrifutures.com.au/news/tickets-on-sale-rwa-gala-dinner-and-national-announcement/ 

Featuring: 

• Cressida Cains, Pecora Dairy farm owner and operator, 2022 Rural Women’s Award Runner Up.
• Judy Kennedy, AgriFutures onAIR contributor at Judy Kennedy Media.

Related content:

• Future looks positive for NSW dairy’s energy trading system: https://agrifutures.com.au/news/future-looks-positive-for-nsw-dairys-energy-trading-system/ 
• Eight-part alternative energy series spurring Australian rural industries efforts to switch to renewables: https://agrifutures.com.au/news/eight-part-alternative-energy-series-spurring-australian-rural-industries-efforts-to-switch-to-renewables/ 
• AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award National Winner and Runner Up announced: https://agrifutures.com.au/news/agrifutures-rural-womens-award-national-winner-and-runner-up-announced/