Sticky Beak Friday: Adapt, Innovate, Thrive - Carapook VIC and Penola SA

Join us for the final 'Sticky Beak Friday'

Carapook and Penola

Friday 26 June 2026

9.00am (VIC time) to 5.00pm (SA time)

Lachie Tindall, Carapook, VIC

David and Alison Galpin, Penola, SA

Please BYO Chair for the day!

Sticky Beak Friday: Adapt, Innovate, Thrive
What two farming businesses are doing differently to stay ahead.

Don't miss the final Sticky Beak Friday for 2026!

We'll be visiting two outstanding farms that are leading the way in innovation and sustainable farming. Come along for a day of learning, networking, and inspiration as we take a closer look at what's driving success on these remarkable properties.

9.00am (VIC time) 

Meet at Lachie Tindall's property - head to the hay shed.

Dairy operation - 'Withnell Dairy Company'

To start the day we'll head to Lachie Tindall's property at Carapook. Lachie and his family have spent decades adapting and evolving their farming business in south-west Victoria.

The Tindalls operate a large-scale dairy and beef enterprise across more than 1,300 hectares located near Carapook. While the district was once home to many dairy farms, only a handful remain today, making the family's enterprise something of an outlier in the region. Rather than stepping away from dairy, they've focused on finding new ways to improve productivity, efficiency and animal performance.

Expansion into beef and Halter virtual fencing technology

Guided by a simple philosophy 'Adapt or get left behind' the Tindalls have - over many years - expanded into beef, investing in feed infrastructure, developing drought-management strategies and embracing new technology. Most recently, Lachie became one of the first farmers in Victoria to adopt Halter virtual fencing technology across dairy cows, young stock and beef cattle.

Animal Health and performance

Animal health and performance are also major focuses for the business, with strong attention given to nutrition, fertility and cow welfare. You will hear about the systems and management practices that have helped improve herd performance, while also exploring the challenges and opportunities facing dairy businesses today.
 

What has shaped their decisions?

During the day, Lachie will share the thinking behind some of the key decisions that have shaped the business. How do you manage dairy and beef enterprises in a region where drought is often the norm? What role does technology play in labour efficiency and grazing management? And how do you balance innovation with practical, hands-on stockmanship?
 

After lunch, we'll head over the border to visit David and Alison Galpin's property.

Livestock production

A fifth generation farming business, spread across 3000 acres and surrounded by pine plantations, Warrawindi is a diverse livestock enterprise including Poll Dorset stud sheep, prime lamb production, Limousin stud cattle and a large steer trading operation. At its heart, the business aims to producer profitable livestock under commercial conditions, with around 2,500 prime lambs, 150 rams and 20 bulls sold annually.

Regenerative farming

The family is passionate about improving soil health and building a more resilient farming system for future generations. Over recent years they've been exploring ways to reduce fertiliser, chemical and fuel inputs while focusing on soil biology, composts and mineral nutrition. Their philosophy is simple: healthy soils grow better grass, which leads to healthier, more productive livestock.

Diversification into off-grid accommodation 

We'll also hear about Warrawindi Escapes, the farm's off-grid accommodation venture that has diversified the business and created a unique way for visitors to connect with agriculture.

What drives their business decisions?

The Galpins will share their journey, the changes they've made on-farm, and the lessons they've learnt along the way. What has worked? What hasn't? How do they balance productivity, profitability and environmental stewardship? And what impact has their focus on soil health had on pasture growth, livestock performance and input costs?
 

The day will including morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea.

To assist with logistics on the day, please bring your own chair.

For further information contact Meg Bell on 0433 499 630.

REGISTRATIONS ESSENTIAL at www.mackillopgroup.com.au/events

COST

MFMG Members $50, additional MFMG primary producer members $30

Non MFMG members $200. Morning tea and light lunch provided.

*To receive the reduced ticket price you must login to your account on this website