Just back from a long weekend in the Grampians with the family – apart from the Christmas public holidays it will be the last for a while. Seem to have done nothing else but working, eating and sleeping.

October was a record month and we were extremely busy. We’d been aware that the market was calling out for low fat Jalna yoghourt so we developed and launched three new varieties in September - Low Fat Vanilla, Berry Fruit and Natural Yoghourts. The results are saying they were certainly needed. (Check out the delicious salad recipe using our Low Fat Vanilla Yoghourt – perfect for a summer meal.)

To meet the demand we’ve been upgrading the plant and equipment for the growth we are seeing, so it’s all positive. And I’ve also been working with the team on reviewing different ways of expanding the range for launch in 2009.

Calves On The Jalna BioDynamic Organic Farm

Spring calving on the Jalna BioDynamic Organic farm went well this year and we’re rearing around 60 calves. Unfortunately the outlook is still a bit grim as far as rain goes, which we need for feed on our BioDynamic Organic farm and the other dairy that mainly supplies our milk.

Although we had good falls around the farm a few weeks ago, we need a lot more. That rain came too late to save the crops we were growing. With only 21% water allocations and drought continuing in the area with no sign of it breaking, we’ve just put in a bore and are hoping to buy some water allocation to use it on the summer crops of millet and lucerne to cut as silage for winter feed. While Gippsland, where we have also sourced additional milk, had a slightly better year, the Murray Darling system just hasn’t had the rain. The saga continues…still, we’re pressing on regardless.

I’m sure everyone at Jalna is looking forward to putting their feet up and having a few days off over Christmas. Wishing you and yours all the best this festive season and that the new year brings you all you could wish for.

John Schofield,
Jalna Quality Assurance Manager.