mmg.com.au

One of the more interesting small specialised exhibits at Seymour Alternative Farming Expo this month grew from a dairy farming couple looking for other markets.

Jannette Garner and her partner, Grant Smith, were milking cows at Girgarre when they became disheartened with the price they were receiving for their milk through their milk company.

‘‘We were so disheartened at the farmgate price that we pulled the pin on it,’’ Jannette said.

‘‘It just wasn’t and still isn’t sustainable. You can’t make a living with the price they give you.’’

So the struggling farmers set about selling their unpasteurised milk as a cosmetic product at markets around the Goulburn Valley and Melbourne, almost every weekend.

Called Pure Indulgence Bath Milk, Jannette said it was exactly the same as the milk we used to drink before pasteurising became commonplace.

The selling of unpasteurised milk is subject to many rules and regulations and the only two options in Australia are as a pet food or as a cosmetic.

Jannette’s research showed milk has a long history as a cure for dry skin.

‘‘The lactic acid in full-cream milk breaks down protein, which is the same way it works on our skin, softening it and dissolving any of the impurities.

‘‘We need to let our customers know that they are not allowed to drink it, but there are no rules barring them from buying it.

‘‘There is a huge movement in Australia at the moment about legalising unpasteurised milk and it is quite a controversial issue.’’

In addition to their milk, Jannette and Grant also package natural meats to sell at the markets.

Our Own Premium Meat is all natural with no chemicals used in producing it and encompasses beef, lamb, pork and veal from the couple’s farm.

They will have their mobile cool room at the Farmers’ Market site at Seymour Alternative Farming Expo from Friday, February 15 to Sunday, February 17.

Jannette can also be contacted on 0411146329.

■Full details of the Seymour Alternative Farming Expo, including on-line ticket ordering, timetable and exhibitor lists can be found at www.seymour-expo.com