HE'S a third-generation dairy farmer who has been milking cows for 75 years, but there's no talk of retirement yet for Pat and Trish McDonald, of Kenaire Jersey Dairy Stud at Condong.

At 80 years of age, Pat still rises early every morning to hand-milk his beloved jerseys as he was taught to do at the age of five.

His farm produces about 3000 litres of milk daily.

"Trish and I supported our family for many years by hand-milking our herd, but dairying has changed enormously because of modern technology," he said.

"It is super-efficient, with computerised mechanical multi-station, self-milking equipment."

Underpinning this successful dairy farm are jersey cows of a high and consistent quality and Pat's research and adaption to change.

Over the years he's picked up many prizes at the Sydney and Brisbane shows among others.

This success has resulted in the Kenaire Jersey Stud and the Tweed Valley becoming known Australia-wide.

The McDonald's stud is a third-generation family dairy farm, which has been operating since the turn of last century.

Sadly, it is one of just nine remaining dairy farms from the 110 that once existed on the Tweed.

From the property one can see green pastures stretching almost, it seems, to the base of the purple McPherson Mountain Ranges in the west and the iconic Mt Warning in the south.

Pat has represented the Tweed in many capacities, and was on the Tweed Agricultural Committee for 33 years.

He is the chairman of The Dairy Spectacular, the richest dairy show in Australia, which showcases successful dairy breeds.

As the cows graze, Pat opens a gate, whistles once and they all amble over from the far corners of the field like robots, filing nose-to-tail towards the dairy shed for their regula twice-daily milking.

"They are affectionate and all know me, but I'm not sentimental, they're all for sale at the right time, and that's the trick, knowing your breed and the market," Pat said.

So what does the future hold for this lifestyle?

Pat's face changes as he replies guardedly: "I don't know, but I will keep on as long as I can.

"I've got 150 cows; I've bred all of them and I know each by name."

I put him to the test and he launches in: "That one's from the Fingers' lineage, Jovial Fingers, Elephant Fingers, and Noble Fingers, Sticky Fingers.

"Naming them is the best way to know your cow and each has a double name, just like us, and the family name acts as a surname.

"Each generation takes the first part that has a reference to the sire, giving a permanent identity of each individual for many generations.

"With stud breeding it's a ready analysis of their value.

"We had a lot of fun naming them with the kids when they were small after each successful calving season, and we would all sit around the table and make up combinations of names by this method.

"I have a passion for breeding jerseys and researching genetics. I'm always trying to improve the breed and my herd.

"I chose jerseys because they're a gentle and economical breed, needing 20% less feed and 30% less water than many others, yet they produce the same output as the much larger breeds.

"I enjoy this lifestyle and by handling and monitoring them daily I can pick up early any problems, and the cows become quite affectionate," he said as he fended off a cow nuzzling and licking his leg.

"I know dairying on the Tweed is phasing out, but at 80 it's my life - I'm successful and enjoy what I do.

"It is important to adapt to change; we've got to be more efficient with sourcing energy, producing less carbon and other means of cost savings, which will be beneficial both for climate and profit.

"In my opinion there's nothing more efficient or rewarding than a family farm.

"In the past, there was usually someone in the next generation to take over but today it has little appeal because it is a 365-day commitment.

"Now the writing on the wall is clear for those few of us left whose lives have revolved around what was once a major industry in this area.

"We who remain are still working our farms because of our love and attachment to the land and the lifestyle.

"We've been through tough times in the past: floods, drought and now the threat of climate change.

"The MacDonald Condong farm, which started in the 1800s, has survived for three generations.

"It would be good if it could survive into the future."

But in the meantime there's yet another show to prepare for.