Miti Wins Top Innovator Award at Australian Dairy Conference
A New Zealand agribusiness helping to turn a long-standing animal welfare and waste issue into a high-value protein stream has won the Australian dairy sector's top innovator award.
Miti makes a protein snack from New Zealand grass-fed young beef with honey and touts its business model as one that could deliver more value with less environmental impact. It won the Early-Stage Award.
Head Judge Shane Dooley stated that this idea provides a game-changing solution, transforming bobby calf waste from the dairy industry into a high-value, low-carbon protein product.
"By addressing a long-standing social license challenge, they're helping reshape the wellbeing narrative around calf management in New Zealand," says Dooley.
Miti works with farmers to raise bobby calves to 12 months old then use their meat in Miti snack bars.
Miti founder Daniel Carson says he was blown away by winning the award.
“It’s an incredible honour, especially knowing how many bold, innovative technology ventures are out here trying to make a difference.
“We didn’t come to Fieldays for awards, we came to share an idea, to invite feedback, and to kōrero with the people who this matters most to - farmers, food lovers, and the next generation of innovators.”
Carson thanked the Fieldays Innovation awards team, the judges, and the many people who have backed them.
“This is just one small step on a much bigger journey. We’re here to reshape the red meat value chain, for the good of people, animals, and the land. Let’s get to work, only 2 million bobbies to go,” says Carson.
He also thanked the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Bioresource Processing Alliance (BPA) AgResearch and “all the people that have supported us on the journey”.
