Australian dairy herd in Cambodia reaches 1,400 head after 220-cattle airlift
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia, July 2026
A shipment of 220 Australian Holstein Friesian dairy cattle has been flown into Cambodia, lifting the herd at the country’s largest commercial dairy to approximately 1,400 head.
The cattle were sourced, prepared and air freighted by Australia’s Livestock Exporters (ALE), a licensed Australian breeding and dairy stock exporter, and delivered to Kirisu Farm in Bati district, Takeo province, around 30 kilometres south of Phnom Penh.
The Australian Embassy in Cambodia announced the arrival, saying the expansion is expected to reduce Cambodia’s reliance on imported dairy products, generate local employment and support growth across the domestic dairy sector. Cambodian state news agency Agence Kampuchea Presse reported the delivery as part of Kirisu Farm’s ongoing expansion programme.
Fifth consignment since the foundation herd
It is the fifth consignment ALE has flown to the farm. The first arrived in 2020 and carried 550 pregnant Australian Holstein heifers, the shipment that established Cambodia’s first large-scale commercial dairy operation. ALE was the first Australian exporter to supply dairy cattle into Cambodia and has supplied every head in the farm’s herd since.
Kirisu Farm sits on 300 hectares near Phnom Tamao and is operated by Khmer Fresh Milk Co Ltd, which produces fresh milk, yoghurt and flavoured milk for the Cambodian market.
Supported through Australia’s development programme in Cambodia
The expansion has been delivered in collaboration with Kirisu Farm through the Cambodia Australia Partnership for Resilient Economic Development (CAPRED), Australia’s flagship economic development initiative in the country.
Australian support for the farm predates this shipment. The Australian Embassy has previously worked with Kirisu on food safety certification and on linking the operation with local growers to produce fodder for the herd.
Months of preparation before departure
The cattle travelled in purpose-built livestock air freight crates aboard a dedicated cargo aircraft, a route that keeps transit time short and allows welfare conditions to be managed from the Australian quarantine facility through to arrival.
‘Delivering a shipment of this size requires months of planning before the aircraft leaves Australia,’ a spokesperson for Australia’s Livestock Exporters said. ‘Sourcing, pregnancy testing, quarantine and veterinary certification all have to line up.’
‘We’re proud to have supported Cambodia’s dairy industry from the very first shipment. Seeing a herd we’ve supplied from the beginning now producing fresh milk for Cambodian consumers is the outcome every exporter hopes for.’
Why Holsteins for tropical dairy projects
Holstein Friesians account for the overwhelming majority of Australia’s national dairy herd and are among the highest-yielding dairy breeds worldwide. Exported Australian Holstein Friesian dairy cattle carry verified pedigree, health testing and export certification issued in line with Australian requirements, and are supported by Australian biosecurity, animal health and traceability standards.
The breed has been managed successfully in tropical and subtropical production systems where nutrition, shade and herd management are set up to suit the climate. For commercial operators, fertility and long-run productivity generally carry more weight in the purchase decision than headline price.
About Australia’s Livestock Exporters
Australia’s Livestock Exporters is an Australian Government approved and licensed livestock export company specialising in breeding and dairy stock, sourced directly from Australian farms. Every consignment is supported by veterinary testing, quarantine preparation and export documentation.
Media contact
Australia’s Livestock Exporters
Phone: +612 8313 7009
Email: [email protected]
Web: australiaslivestockexporters.com