1.    Why did it take a two-page statement that did not answer all the questions? 
We understand our previous statement may not have answered every question clearly, and we apologise for any confusion.

Some business decisions involve a range of considerations that we are not always able to discuss publicly.

What we can be clear about is that our commitment to local dairy farmers remains strong. Our decision not to renew a milk supply agreement does not change our commitment to sourcing the majority of our milk requirements from Queensland.

2.    Is Maleny Dairies milk actually Queensland milk?
Yes. Most of our milk comes from our contracted 11 farms, all based locally in Queensland. When local supply falls short of our production demand, we source additional milk through established milk traders. A portion of this top-up milk sometimes comes from interstate, including Victoria. 

3.    How much of the milk sourced is from interstate?
It varies with the seasonal supply.  During the tightest weeks the milk pool supply can reach between 5% -10% of our total intake. It is used only to cover shortfalls, not as our main supply. 

The report of a regular delivery of milk from Victoria to Maleny Dairies every Monday is not correct, and the individual who made this statement has apologised publicly for false and misleading information. 

4.    Why bring milk in from Victoria at all, when there is milk available just up the road?
Queensland consumes more milk than it produces, with an annual shortfall of around 300 million litres. Our own supply gaps are seasonal and can occur at short notice, so we source top-up milk through an established milk pool. This milk may come from Queensland or interstate.

From a business perspective buying small amounts to cover short-term gaps is very different from committing to take a local farm’s entire milk supply all year round. 

5.    Why buy through milk traders instead of contracting more Queensland farms directly?
Direct contracts require us to take all of a farm’s milk for an agreed period. Our supply gaps are usually short-term and seasonal, so traders allow us to purchase only the small amount needed for that period.

Our direct contracts are with Queensland farming families, and we take all the milk they produce. 

Whether sourced directly or through a trader, all milk must meet our strict quality standards.

6.    Is this a new arrangement?
No. We have used milk traders for many years to manage seasonal supply gaps. This has never been hidden but may not have been clear. It is standard practice for milk processors, particularly in Queensland, where supply shortfalls occur each year.

7.    Have you ever claimed all your milk comes from farms within a set distance of Maleny?
Yes. We have previously stated that our contracted milk comes from farms within approximately 80 -100 kilometres of our factory. This statement accurately reflected our contracted supply network at the time and continues to do so today.

However, we recognise that some people may have understood this to mean every litre we use comes from within that area. We apologise for the confusion. 

When seasonal shortages occur, we may source top-up milk from elsewhere. 

Additionally, as our business and milk supply requirements evolve, we may need to contract Queensland dairy farmers outside of this geographical distance. However, our priority remains supporting Queensland dairy farmers. 

8.    Why did you stop taking the Rozynski family’s milk?
Out of respect for the family, we are not going to discuss the details of a contractual arrangement publicly. What we can say is that the decision followed significant consideration.

9.    Did you give proper notice to the Rozynski family?
Yes. We provided 90 days’ notice required under the terms of his contract with Maleny Dairies, and in line with the Dairy Code of Conduct.

10.    Who are your farmers and where are they?
Eleven Queensland based dairy farming families. 

11.    Do you pay your farmers fairly?
Yes. We pay our contracted farmers a competitive price, generally above industry rates. This commitment to supporting local farming families and a sustainable Australian dairy industry is reflected in the price of our product.

12.    Why was Maleny Dairies set up in the first place?
To keep our local dairy farms alive. When the industry was deregulated in 2000 the farmgate price collapsed and Ross’s father Harold was preparing to sell the farm. Ross decided to build a bottling plant instead. 

13.    Are you still family-owned, or have you been bought out?
Maleny Dairies is owned and run by Ross and Sally Hopper.

14.    People are calling for a boycott. What do you say to that?
We understand that people feel strongly about this issue and respect their right to choose which products they buy. 

The decision not to renew this contract does not change our ongoing commitment to Queensland dairy farmers and the wider dairy industry.

Other Queensland processors may also be able to purchase this farm’s milk, so we hope the discussion can focus on finding a positive outcome for the family.

We just ask that consumers consider the broader impact of their decision, including on our employees, suppliers and the 11 Queensland farming families we continue to support.

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Thank you
Maleny Dairies
Ross and Sally Hopper