BEAUDESERT'S Scenic Rim Robotic Dairy owner Greg Dennis officially launched his own brand of milk this week, after an outpouring of public support led him to go it alone.
Scenic Rim 4Real Milk was launched on Tuesday by Dr John McVeigh, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, during the Scenic Rim Eat Local Week.
The launch will see the culmination of eight months of work in setting up an on-site milk processor to enable the Dennis family to produce, process and bottle milk under their own label.
"Our decision was based partly on the renewal contract we were offered by our processor, which wouldn't have covered our costs of production," Greg said.
The Scenic Rim 4Real Milk range includes a 750ml glass bottle, a throw-back to the days of real milk.
"Making the decision to process and bottle our own milk is one we haven't taken lightly. Our entire family is committed to saving this farm," Greg said.
"We've received hundreds of messages of support from people as far away as Perth - it's really given us the confidence that there are people out there who not only want to support local Australian farmers, but who also value fresh, minimally processed milk delivered straight to their shops and cafes."
Greg's 230 Holstein dairy cows produce about 6000 litres of milk/day, all of which is now fully allocated to shops and cafes in Brisbane, Mt Tamborine, towns throughout the Scenic Rim and the Gold Coast.
Showing their support at the launch were, Eric and Marlene Ross, Carbrook, Beverley and Noel Cannon, Kagaru, Grahame and Glen Walker, Beaudesert, and Liz Dittman, Jimboomba. Click on the image to see a gallery of photos from the launch.