The first consignment of premium Kiewa Valley milk will flow this weekend, marking a major milestone for the four founding families who launched the new cooperative after confirmation Murray Goulburn, once Australia’s biggest dairy operation, would be sold to Canadian company Saputo.

Mountain Milk Co-op will supply milk to Freedom Foods’ Shepparton operation as well as Alpine Valley business Gundowring Fine Foods which produces award-winning premium ice cream.

“We are delighted to confirm that our milk will find its way to consumers through our valued relationships with both the Freedom Foods Group, and Gundowring Fine Foods through their multi award winning Gundowring ice cream,” Mountain Milk Co-op chairman Stuart Crosthwaite said.

“We feel fortunate to have been able to secure arrangements with these two businesses who are both determined to bring high quality dairy products to Australian consumers.”

Mountain Milk Co-op has also increased its overall capacity to 21 million litres after “Klein Meer Jerseys” owned by Jack and Christine Hicks and operated by their daughter Teresa and her partner Darren Sagrera at Dederang joined the co-op.

“As farmers we want to have more control of our future, and to be able to have more say in creating our own destiny,” Mr Crosthwaite said. “We want to explore all options to strengthen the future of dairy which makes such a great contribution to our communities in the Alpine Valleys.”

Farmers Patrick and Kerrie Glass, Scott and Belinda McKillop, Ian and Alice Holloway and Stuart and Sarah Crosthwaite set up Mountain Milk with assistance by the Federal Government’s Farming Together Program, and broad community goodwill.

Mountain Milk Co-op signs have also been erected at supplier farms.

“We want consumers to recognise the farms which are supplying Mountain Milk and for people to take pride in knowing where their milk comes from.” Mr Crosthwaite said.