Did you know Buffalo milk is the second most consumed milk worldwide, behind cows’ milk? Buffalo milk is most commonly consumed in India and Southeast Asian countries but is becoming more common in Australia as our population diversifies.
Milk and cheese are included as part of the milk, yoghurt, cheese and/or alternatives group, which is one of the 5 food groups recommended for everyday consumption in the Australian Dietary Guidelines. Milk, cheese and yoghurt provide calcium in a readily absorbable and convenient form. They also have various health benefits and are a good source of many nutrients, including calcium, protein, iodine, vitamin A, vitamin D, riboflavin, vitamin B12 and zinc. Most people need around 2-3 serves a day from this food group.
As part of the QCWA Country Kitchens Meet a Farmer initiative, the team met with Margaret Thompson, a Buffalo farmer on the Maleny Plateau. Maleny Buffalo is the only buffalo farm operating in Queensland and supplies its milk to various processors including Maleny Cheese, Olympus Cheese, Mt Tamborine and Byron Bay. While Margaret has a long history in the dairy industry, buffalo farming was a new adventure.
I have been involved in farming all my life and was the first woman to complete an agricultural course to junior level at Nambour High School… Breeding Buffalo started after a visit to Darwin where we left with $20,000 worth of Buffalo… since then we have continued breeding and the herd is almost entirely Mediterranean type. Besides the milk being processed for cheese, yoghurt etc. we also sell meat through many outlets across Queensland.
From left to right: CK facilitator Cynthia Daniels, Michael Thompson, Margaret Thompson, CK facilitator Judy Stubbs
Getting to farm in such a beautiful area of the world is a privilege and Margaret takes her responsibility for animal welfare, to farm sustainably and respect the environment very seriously.
Animals need to be happy and fed well to produce a quality product. Environmentally, we aim to use inputs responsibly with little waste. As we are in the Mary River catchment which flows into the Great Sandy Straits, we are conscious that our actions influence the Great Barrier Reef. Our buffalo are fenced out of the waterways to ensure there is no contamination.
Since the late 1990’s, Margaret has been actively involved on environmental advisory boards, including Landcare. She is a life active member of the Mary River Catchment Coordinating Committee, which applies for and distributes funds to upgrade farming systems to protect the environment and future.
Farming is a rewarding career, but not without its challenges. Margaret acknowledges the support the local QCWA has provided for farmers in times of need, as well as being a place where the community can gather.
The QCWA seems to have been in Maleny forever! The QCWA rooms were the go-to place for so many community events. While we know the QCWA for their support of farmers in crisis, it would be great if branches could ensure they use local products in activities and promote local eating in their showcases and events.
If you are feeling inspired, head to your local retailer and keep an eye out for Maleny Buffalo products. You can also purchase directly from Maleny Cheese. Be sure to try our Veggie Packed Pizza recipe from Maleny facilitator Judy Stubbs. Try using buffalo mozzarella to top the pizzas with for a fun twist! To learn more about the QCWA Country Kitchens program or the Meet a Farmer initiative, contact us at countrykitchens@qcwa.org.au or visit our website.
The QCWA Country Kitchens program is proudly funded by Health and Wellbeing Queensland.
Industry: Dairy/Meat
Location: Maleny, Queensland
QCWA Division: Nambour North Coast
QCWA Connection: Judy Stubbs and Cynthia Daniels, Country Kitchens Facilitators and QCWA Maleny Branch Members
