Mitchell Jones, Foster - May // 2025 Mental Health Calendar

Mitchell Jones and his family run Cypress Grove, a progressive dairy farm nestled in Foster with the Franklin River flowing right through the middle. Here, Mitchell milks 800 Holstein cows and dedicates himself to breeding big, impressive stud cows he’s incredibly proud of. As a young dairy farmer and single dad to his two kids, ages 6 and 4, he juggles his responsibilities on the farm with raising his children. Times have been tough, but he’s motivated to work hard and build a future for them—just as his own parents did for him. 

Mitchell knows the value of connection. Having mates who check in with him has been essential, providing a network of support. He’s also a firm believer in the power of getting off the farm for inspiration, a perspective that broadened significantly after he received a Gardiner Foundation study trip. That experience opened his mind to new farming methods and reinforced the importance of seeking out opportunities to grow.

Growing up in a rural area, Mitchell remembers having to push hard to find training in dairy. “When I was at school, I had to ask questions to find a path in dairy because the options weren’t promoted,” he recalls. “I went to TAFE because I kept asking, and that’s how I got here today.” Mitchell wants young people to know that the dairy industry is vast and filled with opportunities beyond farming alone, from agronomy to nutrition and more. 

The Jones family has invested heavily in the future of their farm. The property, owned by Mitchell’s parents, Kevin and Helen, has undergone extensive upgrades, including a 60-stand rotary dairy, a 700-cow all-weather feed pad, and a pre-chilling system to ensure their milk remains top quality. Burra Foods, their long-standing partner, recently awarded the family a 10-year supply award and their Gold Milk Quality Award, recognizing their commitment to excellence. 

For Mitchell and his family, dairy farming is more than a livelihood—it’s a legacy. Family is at the heart of everything they do, guiding their decisions and investments to secure a solid future. And with a growing network and determination to push the industry forward, Mitchell is excited to show his kids, and the next generation, what’s possible in dairy. 

Mitchell is part of Cypress Grove where he and his family milk 800 Holstein cows. He says it’s vital for young people to look out for opportunities if they are interested in dairy and that the industry is not just about farming. 

“When I was at school, I really had to push hard to get trained to work in dairy, the options weren’t promoted. If it wasn’t for me asking questions, I wouldn’t have gone to TAFE and ended up where I am today,” Mitchell said. 

“We live in a rural area, it is agricultural. The opportunities are there – you don’t have to be a farmer, there are so many connections, through agronomy or nutrition to be part of this industry.” 

Less than a week since returning Mitchell has already spoken to everyone from the trip, a network he now has available to tap into whenever he needs.