Front row from left: Sally Hopper, Sonya Ferris, Gina Wilks, Kasey Bryant, Ashleigh Kahler, and Ellen Kenman (holding baby). Standing from left: Ross Hopper, Wayne Ferris, Wes Loweke, Bradley Bateman, Joe Bradley, Tony Gault, Christina Bradley, Luke, Josh Loweke, Darren Wilks, Nathan Edwards, Garry Adamson, Rowan Kahler, Lachlan Kenman, Michael, Max Mason, Tim Hawes, Tony Green, Nikhala Mahoney, Nicolette de Vos, and Bart Sinclair.
Business Feature: Maleny Dairies
Maleny Dairies welcomed its contracted dairy farming families to its regular Farmers’ Barbecue on Wednesday, 7 October, thanking them for providing the high-quality milk used to produce its premium dairy products.
“Our dairy farmers are the foundation of Maleny Dairies’ business,” said owner Ross Hopper at the casual gathering which brought together farmers, tanker drivers and staff for an afternoon of good local food, conversation and connection.
Mr Hopper took charge of the barbecue, serving local meat from Obi Pasture Co before sharing business updates and discussing industry trends.
“Our premium products that Australians know and love are produced from the great milk we receive from our contracted farms,” Ross said.
“Our barbecue catch-ups give us the chance to get our farmers and their families together to say thanks, to support each other and to chat about upcoming opportunities.”
The gathering also provided an opportunity to recognise one of the dairy’s valued local suppliers, Walli Mountain farmer Wes Loweke, who is preparing to retire after several years supplying milk to Maleny Dairies.
Wes recently gave notice under his contract as he prepares to step away from dairy farming. His sons, Josh and Tony, will continue working in the dairy industry in other capacities.
Josh said the family would always be grateful
for its contract with Maleny Dairies, which began in 2022 and helped provide the business with stability and opportunities for growth.
Maleny Dairies Managing Director Sally Hopper presented Wes with a gift of local products, including Maleny Chocolate Company chocolates and a locally handcrafted chopping board, in appreciation of his years of dedication and reliable service.
“I was very pleased to be able to thank Wes in person for his contribution to Maleny Dairies, the local dairy industry and for his regular supply of high-quality milk that we have used for years. His personal decision to transition to retirement is respected by our team and we wish Wes and his family every success and happiness in this well-deserved next chapter,” Sally said. “We are now in discussions with other Queensland farms to secure further milk supply.”
Important contribution
Maleny Dairies holds its Farmers’ Barbecues quarterly to thank its suppliers and recognise the important contribution dairy farming families make to the business, the local economy and their communities.