Our Story

Dedicated to exceptional Jersey milk

 

Gippsland Jersey was born out of a deep love for dairy, community and doing things properly. From day one, we’ve believed that great milk starts with care -  for our cows, our farmers, our land and the people who drink it.

 

Founded by Sallie Jones and Steve Ronalds in 2016, Gippsland Jersey brings together two people deeply connected to dairy - one driven to build a values-led regional brand, the other a hands-on dairy farmer who lives and breathes milk production every day.

 

We proudly work with four family dairy farms in West Gippsland, using traditional farming values alongside modern thinking. Our milk is 100% Jersey, sourced from farmers who share our commitment to animal welfare, transparency and quality - and it’s always free from bovaer.

 

Innovation and honesty has been part of our journey from the beginning. From backing our farmers with fair prices, to investing in local manufacturing, keeping milk tasting the way it should, we’re always looking for better ways to do dairy - without losing what matters.

 

At heart, Gippsland Jersey is about reconnecting people to where their food comes from, and proving that regional businesses can lead with integrity, courage and heart.

 

The Founders

 

Gippsland Jersey is a proudly family-led business, co-founded by Sallie Jones and Steve Ronalds.

 

Sallie is a Gippsland local, raised on a value-adding dairy farm in Lakes Entrance. After losing her father, she channelled her energy into building something meaningful - a business that supports farmers mental health, creates local jobs and strengthens the community she calls home.

 

Steve is a 4th generational dairy farmer in Jindivick. With generations of practical farming knowledge behind him, he brings deep on-farm expertise, animal welfare leadership and a farmer-first mindset to Gippsland Jersey. Steve ensures what we promise in market is exactly what happens on farm - every day.

 

Together, Sallie and Steve built Gippsland Jersey to bridge the gap between farmer and consumer - creating a business where farmers are respected, milk is celebrated, and regional communities thrive.

 

Today, Gippsland Jersey is powered by a passionate team across farming, production, retail and logistics -  many of whom live locally and have grown alongside the business. From the factory floor to the farm gate, our team brings skill, care and pride to everything we produce, guided by strong food safety systems and a shared commitment to doing things right.

 

 

 

Our Product Range

 

From fresh national award-winning Jersey milk to cream, cheese and cultured jersey butter, everything we make celebrates the richness and flavour Jersey cows are famous for - minimally processed, beautifully balanced and made to be enjoyed.

GIPPSLAND JERSEY 2.0: INNOVATING TO CHANGE THE GAME

The Gippsland Jersey journey hasn't been smooth sailing. Just 18 months after starting up, the contract milk processor decided they wouldn’t process the milk anymore. However, this setback was turned into an opportunity by a crowdfunding campaign where people were asked to pre-purchased bottles of milk to help fund the breathing of new life into Sallie's Dad's dilapidated factory in Lakes Entrance so that the milk could be processed in house on their own terms.

GIPPSLAND JERSEY 3.0: EXPANDING THE GAME

Gippsland Jersey’s continued growth reached a pivotal moment in 2024, when we outgrew our on-farm factory. This milestone led us to a new beginning in Pakenham, where we proudly inherited Europa Cheese—a beautiful, 54-year-old cheese brand. This transition has created significant capacity for future growth, allowing us to expand our range and develop new products for years to come. This left Lakes Entrance factory used as a DC for deliveries and a clean slate for our most exciting opportunity......coming one day hopefully soon!

THE MODERN MILKMAN/WOMAN CHANGING THE INDUSTRY

Gippsland Jersey has been able to innovate continuously to meet demand for delicious and fair value dairy products. With much energy, a creative and a collaborative spirit, the now much bigger team has been creating new products, and finding new markets and it's paying off, with lots of growth and we now have four local dairy farming families supplying Gippsland Jersey with their delicious and premium milk.

This is just the first of many chapters to come of the Gippsland Jersey story. Chapter 3 involved the purchase of an existing Cheese factory  - Europa Cheese. This was a bold and exciting step with room for lots more growth and opportunities. This left Lakes Entrance factory used as a DC for deliveries and a clean slate for our most exciting opportunity......coming one day hopefully soon!

   With an ongoing commitment to premium jersey milk products that ensures everyone in the chain is respected. From the dedicated farmers to the amazing shops selling or serving them Gippsland Jersey is not just about milk, but also about promoting a fair and sustainable industry, mental health and suicide prevention, and spreading kindness..

And did you know that jersey milk has some amazing benefits? Find out more here