Pecora Dairy has once again cemented its reputation as one of Australia’s finest artisan cheese producers, taking home three gold medals at the 2025 Sydney Royal Cheese & Dairy Produce Show.

Their YARRAWA, Bloomy and Jamberoo Mountain Blue cheeses all earned top honours, a result that co-owner Michael Cains described as “absolutely delightful.”

The Sydney Royal competition, held from 10 to 13 February, is regarded as one of the most prestigious in the industry, recognising excellence in cheese, dairy and other milk-based products. 

However, for small-scale cheese makers like Pecora Dairy, success in the show is only one piece of the puzzle. Staying in business in a rapidly changing economic landscape is the real challenge.

Cains is no stranger to the pressures facing local dairy farmers and cheesemakers.

While the South Coast has seen a rise in boutique cheese production in recent years, not all ventures have lasted. 

“Up until the last couple of years, cheese makers in our area were really rare. Now we have us and The Pines making cheese, but others have stopped,” he says.

The reason? Land values, development pressure and the challenge of maintaining a viable return on capital. 

“When your farm is worth millions and you have developers knocking on your door, it is a hard equation to balance. Cheese making is not a path to untold riches, and it is really important that people support local producers if they want them to survive.”

Cains argues that while consumer support is crucial, local councils and state governments also need to step up. 

“If someone is a genuine primary producer, there should be flexibility around farm stay accommodation, cellar doors and other income streams. Farmers need more than just produce sales to keep their businesses running.”

Despite the pressures, Pecora Dairy remains committed to producing award winning cheese and keeping local cheesemaking alive. 

“It is a tough industry, but we believe in what we do. It is incredibly rewarding when people recognise the effort that goes into every wheel of cheese.”

For those keen to taste Pecora Dairy’s award-winning cheeses, a visit to Pecora Dairy Cheese and Wine in Robertson is a must.

This Euro-inspired venue offers a welcoming space to enjoy locally crafted cheese, fine wine and a relaxed atmosphere from morning till evening.

With another Sydney Royal victory under their belt, Pecora Dairy’s success is well deserved.

But as Cains reminds us, the survival of local food producers depends not just on their passion and skill but on the support of consumers, councils and policymakers alike.