30 Years Strong: the Pandolfos’ partnership with Burra

Robert, who loved his childhood on a dairy farm, initially pursued a different path, training as a fitter and turner and working as a mechanical design draftsman at the SEC. “I enjoyed my trade work,” he said, “but something about farming always pulled me back.”

When Robert met Marita, a legal secretary at the time, they decided to venture into sharefarming. “At 26, I knew a bit about farming but it’s a field that keeps evolving,” Robert said. “It’s not just about milking cows anymore – it’s about learning new systems, hitting quality targets and keeping up with technology.”

Marita embraced the farming lifestyle wholeheartedly, balancing her role as a full-time mother to four boys with supporting the farm’s growth. “I’ve always loved being outdoors,” she said. “The hard part was the unpredictability. On a farm, your plans change daily. But we found our rhythm and it just became our way of life.”

“Those early days were tough,” Robert admitted. “Every cent we made went back into the farm. There were no holidays, no splurges – just hard work and determination. But we had goals, and we stuck to them.”

In time, the couple purchased 25 acres adjoining Robert’s parents’ Lardner Farm, which spanned 135 acres. “Then when Dad got sick, everything changed,” Robert said. “We needed to step in and buy his farm. It was a big leap, but looking back, it was the best decision we made.”

The Pandolfos invested heavily in the farm’s infrastructure. “We renovated the dairy, put in troughs, sheds and anything else we needed,” Marita said. “It was a lot of work, but it felt like we were building something lasting.”

Today, the farm has grown to include 370 Holstein Friesian cows. They split calving between autumn and spring, rear young stock on an outblock and embrace automation. “We’re always looking for ways to improve,” Robert said. “From automatic cup removers to cow collars, these tools make a world of difference.”

For over 30 years, Robert worked without a single day off from milking, except for the births of his children. “When you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like a chore,” he said. There’s a lot of satisfaction in seeing your hard work pay off.”

Marita agreed. “Farming became part of who we are,” she said. “Our boys grew up understanding that their chores mattered. It wasn’t just work;
it was about contributing to the family’s success.”

With farm managers now handling the milking, Robert has found a bit more balance and is looking forward to spending more time with friends and family.

The Pandolfos have been part of the Burra family since its early days. “We wanted to work with a company that cared,” Robert said. “Burra’s honest and direct, and they’ve always supported us as partners, not just suppliers.”

“Burra is a great company. They’re community-minded and innovative,” Marita added. “Their foundation’s grants make a real difference to local groups, and that’s something
we really value.”

“Burra has been a huge part of our journey,” Robert said. “It’s a partnership we’re proud to be part of.”