Blog
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Ross Anderson, Denison// 2023 December Calendar
Where is your farm located? Denison. How long have you been in the dairy industry? I've been home since 2006 which makes it 17 years nearly. W... -
Tim Jelbart, Leongatha South // November 2023 "Farming Conversations" Calendar
With 1175 cows and a 21-member staff, Tim's farm is a bustling hive of activity. But it's not just about the numbers; it's about the way Tim and his team manage it all.
Their secret? A finely tuned work-life balance. Staff enjoy a rotating schedule that ensures they get both weekdays and weekends off, maintaining a healthy equilibrium. 🐄🌞
Tim, as a director and general manager, handles budgeting, strategy, planning, and risk management. His approach focuses on making the farm self-sustainable, so it can keep running smoothly even if he's not around.
But it's not just about the farm's success. Tim's journey is inspiring, he left his career as a valuer in Sydney to support his family. From managing the business end of things to fostering a positive work culture, Tim and his team have created something special. They even have their own branded shirts and jumpers!
Tim's story is a testament to dedication, resilience, and the importance of work-life balance in the farming world. Check out the blog to read the full interview 🐮👨🌾 #FarmLife #SuccessStory #WorkLifeBalance
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Matt & Nicola Templeton, Tarwin// October 2023 "Farming Conversations" Calendar
Nicola and Matt, both from dairy farming backgrounds, entered the dairy industry through their families and a shared love for showing cattle. Originally from Queensland, Nicola's parents managed a predominantly Jersey herd of 350 cows, while Matt's family owned a dairy farm in Nar Nar Goon, Victoria. Matt pursued a unique career as a full-time cattle fitter, traveling worldwide to prepare show and sale cattle, making him one of Australia's pioneers in this field.
Their paths crossed through cattle shows, and they decided to take over Matt's family farm, despite its challenges. Support from both sides of their families proved invaluable. Before settling in Tarwin, the couple worked together in Northern Victoria, testing their compatibility as both life and business partners. Their love for the industry and the friendships they formed within the dairy community kept them motivated and dedicated.
Their journey took an unexpected turn when Matt experienced a car accident, leading to a series of health challenges. Despite initial misdiagnoses, Matt's perseverance and the support of friends and family led him through aggressive cancer treatment. Nicola stood by her husband's side while managing the farm and supporting him through his health battles.
The couple found strength in the unwavering support of their loved ones, and their passion for dairy farming kept them going. Events like International Dairy Week provided a sense of normalcy and inspiration for Matt to continue pursuing his love for the industry. Their story is a testament to the resilience of those in the dairy farming community and the power of love and friendship during life's most challenging moments.
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Craig Fletcher, Merrlieu // September 2023 "Farming Conversations" Calendar
"You know, it's maybe not everyone’s cup of tea but it works for us. Every farm
is different. We take pride knowing we provide premium milk for Australians and we stand by what we do as being environmentally friendly and sustainable. One of the biggest motivations for this was that we would spend up to $700,000 in fertiliser every year, but we didn't want to put future financial stress on our children. If it won't grow here, we won't try and grow it. -
Lauren Masters, Kilmany // August 2023 "Farming Conversations" Calendar
"I think it’s an important issue to be talked about and more people need to. There is such a stigma around it, especially in the agricultural industry; that farmers are seen as tough and as people who experience hardships without any emotional impact. Although farmers are some of the strongest people I know, bottling up these issues and emotions will never bring about a good outcome. " -
Belinda & Stu Griffin, Westbury // July 2023 "Farming Conversations" Calendar
Many dairy farmers can relate to the relentless, all consuming nature that is dairy farming, and many other farming practices for that matter! Getting off the farm can sometimes feel impossible 'there's too much to do!', but it's so important in regenerating tired batteries and shifting your perspective on life and farming in general, so you can come back better than ever!
In this months Farming Conversations Calendar Belinda & Stu chat about how they make getting off the farm possible, innovations in dairy farming, the importance of your team, protecting their family time and how to stay married through the calving season! #AnyFarmerCanRelate
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Chris Kane, Marlo // June 2023 "Farming Conversations" Calendar
"I think if corporations take over the industry, we're all screwed to be honest. Small family farms should all help each other because at the end of the day we all get paid the same milk price. We're not in competition with each other. We need to get back to helping each other more; the blokes around here come and give me a hand moving and sorting cattle and I help them in return. That's how our grandfathers did it. Farmers are in their silos when we should be amongst our community; we’d have better mental health "
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Why choose Jersey Milk over other milk types?
There are a wide variety of options when it comes to choosing milk. From plant-based alternatives to traditional cow's milk, there are many choices available. Jersey milk stands alone for its rich, creamy, and delicious milk that we have seen gaining popularity in recent years. Here are just a few reasons why Jersey milk might be a better choice for you: -
John & Steve Ryan, Denison // May 2023 "Farming Conversations" Calendar
The climate challenge as we move forward is about increasing the capacity of our soils and soil function, nutrient cycling, carbon holding capacity, and water holding capacity. I’m finding that a challenge, but an exciting challenge to address.
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Matt Willis, Carrajung South // April 2023 "Farming Conversations" Calendar
Matt Willis has an incredible story and there’s not much he hasn’t faced! At 21 years of age he became an incomplete quadriplegic after a freak accident, keeping the farm going through the drought, then nearly losing the farm in the Black Saturday bushfires, his Mum being diagnosed with Huntingdon’s disease and then nearly losing his Dad in a truck accident. Despite his challenges Matt continues to farm and we think he has an incredible amount to say about mental resilience..
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Gill Templeton, Trafalgar // March 2023 "Farming Conversations" Calendar
Where’s your farm, Gill? Trafalgar How long have you been in the industry? Well, it'll be three years in March, 2023. How many cows are yo... -
4 REASONS WHY CHOOSING JERSEY DAIRY IS CHOOSING SUSTAINABILITY
As the world becomes increasingly aware of the need for sustainability, farmers and consumers are looking for ways to make their practices more environmentally friendly. One way that Aussie farmers can lower their environmental footprint is by choosing to milk Jersey’s instead of other breeds of cows like Friesians, the black and white ones you see so often! Friesians are a large cow, producing a large amount of milk, but at a higher environmental cost due to their consumption and weight. Here are a few reasons why Jersey cows are a more sustainable choice.
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Marcus Brickle, Yanakie// February 2023 Mental Health Calendar
Marcus runs his own business on his family’s third generation farm in Yanakie, Victoria, having taken over the farm in 2020 after his father was seriously injured in an accident. Having lived and worked all over the world across different industries has given him perspective when coming back to the farm ‘When I was working in corporate, there was pressure to meet goals and targets. It felt like every time I achieved a goal I had nothing to show for it; they just moved the goal posts even further. I believe you create your own destiny and with farming I feel that I get to see the results of my work everyday.’ Marcus is also passionate about future proofing his farm and minimising environmental impact.
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How to make the best milkshake
To ensure your milkshake is at it’s fluffy best, make sure you follow these simple tips. QUALITY COUNTSWhen it comes to making the perfect milkshake, it’s really all in the ingredients you choose. Here, quality counts, so opt for a bottle of Gippsland Jersey Full cream or Light milk, a good quality ice-cream, and pure vanilla extract to ensure you get the taste you’re after. -
Tom & Ian McMillan, Sale - January// 2023 Mental Health Calendar
How long have you been in the dairy industry?I grew up on the family farm and I've been full time in the industry for 11 years now. Did you go to ... -
The Gippsland Jersey 2023 Mental Health Calendar Launch
Many of you know I tragically lost my Dad to suicide in 2016, and that traumatic event and the unfolding dairy crisis, were the two catalysts that brought about Gippsland Jersey. Our annual mental health calendar is an integral part of our mental health brand pillar since it began in 2018. It is delivered free to dairy farmers all over Victoria every year, with the intention of starting a conversation around mental health, in which the daily 'office' can be a very isolating environment. We hope the calendar finds its way to the wall in the dairy, or maybe in the family kitchen, and serves as a reminder for any farmer in a tough moment, that there is always someone who has walked the same path and come out the other side, and that's it ok to ask for help.
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RECIPE// Vanilla Custard
Making your own silky smooth custard from scratch sounds a lot harder than it actually is. In reality - it takes just a few ingredients and about 15 minutes in the kitchen, and it’s well worth it. Check out our recipe! -
Siahn and Kev Le Brocq, Bravington// December 2022 Mental Health Calendar
Siahn grew up 2km down the road from her grandparent’s farm where she is currently share farming with her husband, Kev, and her Pop. The business is called Oak Jerseys and Siahn says this name encompasses everything special to her, as on the farm, a 120 year old oak tree grows in all its majesty. Over the years this tree has become a part of her story in more ways than Siahn could have ever imagined.
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RECIPE// Christmas Crack
A highly addictive and delicious sweet 'n' salty Christmas treat -
Char Grilled Cabbage Skewer with Curry Leaf Butter
You've never tasted cabbage like this! An easy mouth-watering recipe to replicate over the summer on the BBQ. -
Caprese Galette with Sour Cream Pastry
This free-form savoury or sweet pastry tart is deceptively simple and can host a number of toppings depending on what you feel like. -
Scott and Lee-Anne Robinson, Jarrahmond - November 2022 Calendar
“Communication is key; it needs to be open, consistent and go in both directions. Just because you might have differing opinions, doesn’t mean eit... -
Caramel Custard Flan
When you need a simple elegant dessert that will feed a crowd - we can’t go past this luscious caramel custard flan.
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Ryan & Lauren Williams, Fish Creek - October 2022 Mental Health Calendar
'Don't let work get in the way. Do things for yourself and put your happiness first.' -
Whipped Coffee
Whipped coffees or dalgona coffees have been around for years, but always seem to pop up again as the weather gets warmer. They are frothy, refresh... -
Mark Johnston, Heyfield - SEPTEMBER 2022 Calendar
‘Open up, find someone to talk to and if you have any underlying issues, just talk. Talking is the best medicine.’
Mark Johnston doesn’t steer away from hard conversations, in fact, he welcomes them. Mental health is something that he has experienced within his own family and has helped him relate to others that may be travelling the same road. He is passionate about spreading the word that talking about struggles in life is a valuable tool that can help manage your mental health.
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Airfryer Crispy Cornflake + Parmesan Chicken
Keen on crispy chicken without the deep fried factor? Tried our air fryer crispy cornflake and parmesan coated schnitzels! -
Krystal and Nick Bermingham – August 2022 Calendar
‘If you want to farm, go out and just give it a crack. There are so many people out there to help, so there is no point feeling like you’re alone. Don’t let pride get in the way either, benchmark yourself against your own business and just enjoy it.’
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Sip & Plunge event at Lakes Entrance Foreshore - A cold dip for mental health! East Gippsland Winter Festival
A BIG thank you to everyone that got their clothes off in the middle of winter to help us kick the winter blues by jumping into Gippsland Lakes.Forty people leapt into the freezing cold water with many squeals and some curse words; many surprised us by staying in the water, trying to challenge themselves after hearing what Jeanette Severs had to say about the benefits of cold water swimming. -
Truffles and Cultured Jersey Butter are the best of friends
Friendy (aka Simon Friend) from Friend & Burrell is dubbed the
Truffle man of Melbourne. You will see him back-dooring most popular high-end restaurants, and he has built beautiful friendships with many of the best chefs over the years. -
RECIPE// 5 Ingredient Butter Bath Scones
Butter Bath is not usually a phrase you hear when making scones, but trust us - it definitely works with this recipe, resulting in a pillowy soft, ... -
RECIPE// Sticky Date Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce
A truly delicious sticky date pudding recipe paired with the best butterscotch sauce. -
Jo, Dave & Lexi Algie - July 2022 Calendar
‘Mental health, like cancer, doesn’t choose who it effects. The thing about mental health is, even though it’s unseen, it’s still an illness’.
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RECIPE// The Best Boozy Hot Chocolate
The most delicious boozy hot chocolate starts with the best milk you can find, and a few other high quality ingredients. Treat yourself with this w... -
RECIPES// Two types of Ricotta and a Caramel Sauce made from the whey!
Buttermilk Ricotta Recipe Ingredients2L Buttermilk1 Litre Unhomogenised MilkMethodPlace Buttermilk and Milk in a heavy bottomed saucepan and gentl... -
RECIPE// Honey Whipped Brown Butter
Honey Whipped Brown Butter is here to get your taste buds tingling! Sure - our cultured butter is super delicious on its ... -
Luke & Mel Wallace - Innovations and future planning in their South Gippsland Dairy..
My wife and I with the help of a part time employee run a third generation family farm in Poowong North in South Gippsland. We have three teenage children one of whom is interested in farming. My 69 year old father still helps out on the farm also. Milking a herd of 190 Registered Jersey cows under the Wallacedale Prefix started by my grandfather... -
Jake Seuren, Lang Lang - June 2022 Calendar
No matter what life throws at you, never give up!’
At 21 years old, Jake has been through many trials and challenges, also triumphs. He possesses a wisdom beyond his years and a fire in his belly born from adversity. To talk to him, you’d come to realise that he is a young man with ambition, strength and smart business savviness. Yet at the heart of him, he has a sensitive soul, a man who just wants to help those around him and give back to his community.
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RECIPE// Berries + Cream Baked Oats
Winter has officially hit Victoria this week with freezing temperatures and chilly winds making it hard to get out of bed, and our wonderful Gippsl... -
DIAA raises $2180 for Lifeline Gippsland
$2180 was raised for Gippsland Lifeline as part of the DIAA Dairy Product Competition that held a auction to sell all the amazing cheese that was submitted for judging.
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RECIPE// Creamy Cauliflower Soup
Serves 4-6Cooking time: 30 mins Prep time: 15 mins Soup season is officially upon us, and while it’s a little sad that we won’t be hitting the be... -
Evan Campbell and Kellie Price, Yannathan - MAY 2022 Calendar
'We love the lifestyle farming provides but know it can be isolating and stressful. When we meet other farmers, we try to be empathetic to what they might be going through.' -
Cheats Ice Cream! Easiest Recipe Ever
Thanks to Heather Cameron for this easy recipe with our Pouring Cream 🍦 It's so easy this will be your new go-to! -
RECIPE// Roast Garlic Potato Bake
We know that the cooler months and the end of daylight savings can be a source of sadness, but not to worry - we have just the recipe that will warm you up!
This cheesy potato bake is infused with a whole head of roast garlic, has lashings of Gippsland Jersey pouring cream, and a knob of golden GJ butter to boot!
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RECIPE// Hot Cross Bun Recipe
Our incredibly delicious Hot Cross Bun Recipe will have them all begging for more.. The secret ingredient is Gippsland Jersey cultured buttermilk... -
Cassandra & Leigh Tama, Denison - APRIL 2022 Calendar
‘We refused to inherit dysfunction. We learnt new ways of living instead of repeating what we had lived through. It was up to us to break genera... -
RECIPE// Savoury - Tandoori grilled pork chops with Spicy Ghee Rice
"The golden ghee is a winner. I haven't had a good ghee for a long time. The aroma is so good!!" - Cindy, Chef.
Cindy kindly shared her recipe for these incredibly delicious Tandoori Grilled Chops recently and we are loving this vibrant, tasty dish!
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Ben & April Damschke, Trafalgar - MARCH 2022 Calendar
‘The ground may be dry, even on the stormiest of days, but just remember, the most important thing in life; to hold on to your family and friends’. -
RECIPE// Salty Sweet Popcorn
Want to know the secret to avoiding soggy popcorn? It’s GHEE!
If you’ve ever felt frustrated at not being able to replicate the perfect cinema popcorn at home, then feel frustrated no longer. Using clarified butter or ghee instead of regular butter will give you all the flavour without the sog factor, and Gippsland Jersey happens to sell some of the best ghee going ‘round!
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RECIPE// Cinnamon Scrolls with Cream Cheese Icing
Cinnamon scrolls are one of those things that are simpler to make than you think! Beautifully comforting pillows of golden dough swirls, filled with cinnamon sugar and slathered with cream cheese frosting. A decadent sweet treat made better with a baker’s best friend - Gippsland Jersey.