Local farmers ‘cleaning up’ after finding genius way to market milk

Jersey cow farmers from Oakey have had the genius idea of working with a local soap maker to turn their milk into something special.

Local Jersey cow farmers have had the genius idea of working with a local soap maker to turn their milk into something special.

Luke and Tanya Wieland own Stoneyview Purebred Jerseys and as they only have a small herd of cows they are unable to supply milk to the processors as they don’t make the quantity required.

Up until recently the milk was going to calves and pigs but Mr Wieland wanted to find another way to market his milk.

Vonnie Meier is working with Luke Wieland to create soap from his Jersey cows.

“With cows calving, we had more than we needed. We started tossing some ideas around and the discussion turned to the possibility of making soap,” he said.

“We didn’t have the knowledge or skill set but wanted to know more.”

Mr Wieland approached Vonnie Meier from Von-Katz Soaps and Gift Baskets to make a first batch of 50 soaps.

A majority of the 50 original soaps sold out within days with Mr Wieland now working with Ms Meier to create a second, larger batch of 600 which will be ready in about four weeks.

Ms Meier said she was proud to be making local soaps from local milk.

“Jersey milk is very high in fat, even more so than goats milk, and the recipe was adjusted to produce a wonderfully creamy lather,” she said.

“Luke and Tanya had a lot of milk from their carefully bred Jersey cows and adding this product made perfect sense to their family.

“They wanted a product that represents their passion as Jersey breeders.

Jersey Milk Soap.

“It’s great because it’s natural, uncoloured and unscented and therefore great for people with sensitive skin.”

To order Natural Jersey Milk Soap search Stoneyview Purebred Jerseys on Facebook.

It is also available at the Highfields Pioneer Village and soon to be at Bannock Brae Meats in Highfields.