Over the last couple of months in "The Valley", nature has stirred the country into action. You cannot walk along the access road without seeing families of rabbits, groups of kangaroos and flocks of local bird life. All with that smug look in their eyes... they know its THAT time of the year.
With great seasonal rains this year, our farmers have been able to cover the hills and the dales with green grass. The wildflowers are in bloom and even the less valuable species of Fauna and Flora seem to look much more attractive. Given this great start, our milking herd is in full production and our farmers have timed the introduction of the next generation extremely well. Our calving paddock is a constant carousel of first calf young girls with a sprinkling of older heads to keep things calm. I don't think there is a part of farming that I enjoy more than the monitoring of the calving paddock... Nature working at its productive best.
Young mothers nursing their new arrivals, new babies bouncing and running under and around their nervous mums. This is where the mother and calf bond, it is also where farmer and new milking cow re unite AND its where baby bonds with the farmer...he will substitute as carer and protector of this animal for years to come. If those concerned with animal rights could see this initial bonding, many of their fears would be allayed .
As we move from area to area on the farm, everything seems to be metamorphosising into its next life stage. Cows begin milking, crops begin to fruit everything is as it should be. With Nature doing its best, we at Country Valley must up the anti to make full use of this Spring Flush. We have been hard at work bottleing milk, making our award winning yoghurt and pasteurising and packageing our beautiful cream, so you out in Good Food Land can also enjoy dairy (spring) goodness.
The Real Country Valley
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
This is our way...
Over the last 12- 18 mths I have talked to a lot of people about Country Valley Milk. Most of these people were interested in our story, what we do and the way we do it. However the people that know THINGS tell us "A picture tells a thousand words.." so we thought we would try to show you what Country Valley Milk is all about.... http://vimeo.com/27681361
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Not a "GREENIE" thing... an "AWARENESS" thing
Living in todays "time starved" society, we can sometimes forget some of the important connections that our forefathers held in high esteem. One of these connections is the relationship between the fresh foods you see on the supermarket shelf and the husband and wife. / father and son etc. who put in the hard work to grow / produce these products.
Today we, as consumers, are faced with a couple of very interesting choices. Do we continue to outsource our needs and wants including food , energy, education and our own well being.... OR...
We can choose to control our destinies.. this will require interest, caring and commitment to the cause. We must rebuild the CONNECTIONS... to each other.
Where does this change come from ???? THE HEART!!!
The "HIPPIE" generation first highlighted our ability to turn back the clock and insist on a biological focus on food production and farming methods. Today we may not all have a backyard to grow some vegies and we certainly dont have the time..OR DO WE?? A pot of herbs, a tub of cherry tomatoes or a few leaves of spinach. However we can all "Google" organic foods, farmers markets and fresh food markets...There are 100's and Im sure there are some close to you.
If growing or searching the parks is not your thing, read up on the benefits of fresh produce. Learn about the effects your choices in your supermarket have on the welfare of your "Country Cousins". Try to understand that for every perfect piece of fruit grown, there is probably a bucket full of wasted pieces, but the farmer still spends the same time and money on his total production... The supermarket man decides what he pays for and what he rejects. Spend some time at the Flemington markets... the amount of rejected produce is huge, but only because we demand "PERFECT" specimens.
Today's environmentally astute consumers are purchasing more and more foods that are seen to offer a greater "upstream" benefit to their families, the farmers and in the end the landscape. They are seeking animal products (beef,chicken,pork etc) from higher welfare producers. They are mindful of "Sustainably" caught fish and can understand the need for farmed salmon and trout. When it comes to manufactured extras ie pastry, noodles and sauces, make sure the ingredients are from a higher welfare origin... free range eggs and organic stock.
This new wave of consumers are asking, or demanding, our retail sector cater for an expanding number of us who seek a SUSTAINABLE balance between our needs and our wants.This group are demanding..
We all need to put our collective MUSCLE...both mental and physical into being more self resourcing. We need to see the shortfall NOW and do something or maybe the people we are so BUSY looking after will suffer far more than they should.
Think about your purchases, do your best and ..Keep up the GOOD FOOD FIGHT !
Today we, as consumers, are faced with a couple of very interesting choices. Do we continue to outsource our needs and wants including food , energy, education and our own well being.... OR...
We can choose to control our destinies.. this will require interest, caring and commitment to the cause. We must rebuild the CONNECTIONS... to each other.
Where does this change come from ???? THE HEART!!!
The "HIPPIE" generation first highlighted our ability to turn back the clock and insist on a biological focus on food production and farming methods. Today we may not all have a backyard to grow some vegies and we certainly dont have the time..OR DO WE?? A pot of herbs, a tub of cherry tomatoes or a few leaves of spinach. However we can all "Google" organic foods, farmers markets and fresh food markets...There are 100's and Im sure there are some close to you.
If growing or searching the parks is not your thing, read up on the benefits of fresh produce. Learn about the effects your choices in your supermarket have on the welfare of your "Country Cousins". Try to understand that for every perfect piece of fruit grown, there is probably a bucket full of wasted pieces, but the farmer still spends the same time and money on his total production... The supermarket man decides what he pays for and what he rejects. Spend some time at the Flemington markets... the amount of rejected produce is huge, but only because we demand "PERFECT" specimens.
Today's environmentally astute consumers are purchasing more and more foods that are seen to offer a greater "upstream" benefit to their families, the farmers and in the end the landscape. They are seeking animal products (beef,chicken,pork etc) from higher welfare producers. They are mindful of "Sustainably" caught fish and can understand the need for farmed salmon and trout. When it comes to manufactured extras ie pastry, noodles and sauces, make sure the ingredients are from a higher welfare origin... free range eggs and organic stock.
This new wave of consumers are asking, or demanding, our retail sector cater for an expanding number of us who seek a SUSTAINABLE balance between our needs and our wants.This group are demanding..
- Environmental Integrity from producers
- Economic Viability from our retail sector
- Social Equity to allow all fellow consumers to reap the benefits of this new awareness.
We all need to put our collective MUSCLE...both mental and physical into being more self resourcing. We need to see the shortfall NOW and do something or maybe the people we are so BUSY looking after will suffer far more than they should.
Think about your purchases, do your best and ..Keep up the GOOD FOOD FIGHT !
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Aren't People Grand !!!!
Over the passed weekend ,Country Valley sponsored an exhibit at the Camden Country Show. We gave some local stall holders the opportunity to present their goods to the wider community. The weather was perfect, and a huge crowd turned out for the Friday and Saturday event.
Country Valley made milkshakes to give our show goers a treat that many of them had almost forgotten about...cold ,creamy milk, icecream and their favourite flavouring. The response was overwhelming for my very dedicated assistants. Crowds of people and huge plaudits for THEIR service and for "The Milk". Along with the shakes, we tried to highlight our award winning LUSH yoghurt (Champion Yoghurt 2011 Sydney Royal Show). I must have presented tens of litres of yoghurt to anyone silly enough to listen to my story of our 2 ladies working almost without mechanical intervention. Stirring, carrying and scooping yoghurt all day.
Let me say , it was a real pleasure to interact with so many of our customers and prospective customers. Everyone took on board the Country Valley story, and they gave so much positive feedback on our products that I'm set for ideas at the next 10 management meetings...thank you all very much.
In my spare time ( after milk and yoghurt) I presented some cheese samples from 2 very small producers. Most people had not heard of the companies... HIGHLAND ORGANICS from Moss Vale and SMALL COW FARM from Robertson on the southern highlands. Highland Organics make a variety of firm cheeses very well suited to any plate at any table. Cheeses such as Pecorino, Tomme and a beautiful Pepper cheese proved crowd favourites while Small Cow Farm produced some of the very best soft mould cheeses I have had the pleasure to put on my table. A lush Camembert and a "Wicked Blue" that had cheese experts across the showground licking their collective lips.
Once again the response from the public was GREAT... people took advantage of the opportunity to try (and enjoy) a range of cheeses that they have never seen, even though they were ALL produced less than 1 hour away from the showground. Almost everyone picked their individual favourite and either bought a block or took contact details of where they can buy some.Wollondilly Farmgate Online, Local produce online - you can taste ...
There is something about giving service and receiving praise from strangers. People are basically good at heart and most recognise and appreciate hard work. To all those people who came in and talked to me or the girls on the stall, I say "thank you" and ... keep up the GOOD FOOD fight.
Country Valley made milkshakes to give our show goers a treat that many of them had almost forgotten about...cold ,creamy milk, icecream and their favourite flavouring. The response was overwhelming for my very dedicated assistants. Crowds of people and huge plaudits for THEIR service and for "The Milk". Along with the shakes, we tried to highlight our award winning LUSH yoghurt (Champion Yoghurt 2011 Sydney Royal Show). I must have presented tens of litres of yoghurt to anyone silly enough to listen to my story of our 2 ladies working almost without mechanical intervention. Stirring, carrying and scooping yoghurt all day.
Let me say , it was a real pleasure to interact with so many of our customers and prospective customers. Everyone took on board the Country Valley story, and they gave so much positive feedback on our products that I'm set for ideas at the next 10 management meetings...thank you all very much.
In my spare time ( after milk and yoghurt) I presented some cheese samples from 2 very small producers. Most people had not heard of the companies... HIGHLAND ORGANICS from Moss Vale and SMALL COW FARM from Robertson on the southern highlands. Highland Organics make a variety of firm cheeses very well suited to any plate at any table. Cheeses such as Pecorino, Tomme and a beautiful Pepper cheese proved crowd favourites while Small Cow Farm produced some of the very best soft mould cheeses I have had the pleasure to put on my table. A lush Camembert and a "Wicked Blue" that had cheese experts across the showground licking their collective lips.
Once again the response from the public was GREAT... people took advantage of the opportunity to try (and enjoy) a range of cheeses that they have never seen, even though they were ALL produced less than 1 hour away from the showground. Almost everyone picked their individual favourite and either bought a block or took contact details of where they can buy some.Wollondilly Farmgate Online, Local produce online - you can taste ...
There is something about giving service and receiving praise from strangers. People are basically good at heart and most recognise and appreciate hard work. To all those people who came in and talked to me or the girls on the stall, I say "thank you" and ... keep up the GOOD FOOD fight.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Who's Up for it ???
Like most guys these days, I have spent many hours in one supermarket or another. Recently I took the time to look critically at the layout, the lighting and the placement of the products.This sudden interest was sparked by the running battle we, as milk producers, are having with the grocery giants. I walked each aisle and took in the scene I was presented with.
The access was excellent with wide entry points and a seemingly over necessary number of 4 wheeled " two year olds" (They go just where they want to). As I moved through "Fruit and Veg" I acknowledged the brighter lighting and the very organised rows of PERFECT produce. I thought about my loving efforts to grow these specimens at home... mine taste great but never look this good. Fruit of every type...no seasonality here, summer,winter and spring produce next to each other on the shelf. What a choice !
The same can be said of the butchery. Lamb ,pork and beef of every style and cut. Spring lamb (in March) organic chicken and WAGU !! I could only hope they are paying the producers a premium to put such a selection on our collective plate. Then there was the fish. Was this selection taken in a sustainable way?... The adverts said...YES , but what about the freshly thawed ones from Indonesia , Vietnam and some from the Indian Ocean ???
By now I was beginning to feel a little like the young child at the check out, with all the lollies and chocolates at face height. Did I need some marketing guru to furtively convince me to buy , buy, buy ?
Don't I know what I want and understand what I need ?
I paid for the things I needed, acknowledged the efforts of the staff to keep the shelves looking impressive, then I left.
The next Saturday morning I found myself at the local Farmers Market. Walking around the stalls , there was no MUZAC playing over a sound system, just 2 ladies with guitars. As I approached each stall, I was greeted with a smile and an offer of assistance. I could ask the producer a question about timing, processes and ingredients. And I could feel the excitement each of these producers held for their products...there was none of this in the sterile monolith from earlier in the week.
At the "Fruit and Veg. " stall , I had to smile at the situation... dirt floor, only natural sunshine on my back and dare I say it..blemishes on some of the tomatoes (just like the ones I grow each summer). I filled my recyclable bag with the fruits of the labours of this family run stall. I wanted Qld Blue pumpkin but could only get Butternut.No big deal. I asked for some boc choy and the lady passed me a bunch and asked if I've ever used Fennel. I said "No" and she threw me a knob and told me to try it and buy some more next week. I know this could not happen INSTORE.
A similar thing happened at the Olive stall. I only knew the name of the Kalamata variety. When I asked for them the stallholder presented me with a taste plate of 4 different varieties and styles. He explained the idiosyncrasies of each and suggested the style to suit my menu.. I felt very informed when I served them to my guests that evening.
After a very leisurely walk around the first half of the market, the smell of freshly brewed coffee sent my olfactory nerve into arrest. A hot Macciato and a sourdough pretzel , just what I needed, then back to finish my shopping. No queues , no red light specials... just clean fresh air ,smiling faces and a feeling of DOING THE RIGHT THING.... for Me , for the Community and I hope for Producers across the country.
May I suggest to you... make the time, find a farmers market in your area and FEEL the difference this type of shopping can make to your psyche. Buy fresh, eat well and.... FEEL GOOD !
The access was excellent with wide entry points and a seemingly over necessary number of 4 wheeled " two year olds" (They go just where they want to). As I moved through "Fruit and Veg" I acknowledged the brighter lighting and the very organised rows of PERFECT produce. I thought about my loving efforts to grow these specimens at home... mine taste great but never look this good. Fruit of every type...no seasonality here, summer,winter and spring produce next to each other on the shelf. What a choice !
The same can be said of the butchery. Lamb ,pork and beef of every style and cut. Spring lamb (in March) organic chicken and WAGU !! I could only hope they are paying the producers a premium to put such a selection on our collective plate. Then there was the fish. Was this selection taken in a sustainable way?... The adverts said...YES , but what about the freshly thawed ones from Indonesia , Vietnam and some from the Indian Ocean ???
By now I was beginning to feel a little like the young child at the check out, with all the lollies and chocolates at face height. Did I need some marketing guru to furtively convince me to buy , buy, buy ?
Don't I know what I want and understand what I need ?
I paid for the things I needed, acknowledged the efforts of the staff to keep the shelves looking impressive, then I left.
The next Saturday morning I found myself at the local Farmers Market. Walking around the stalls , there was no MUZAC playing over a sound system, just 2 ladies with guitars. As I approached each stall, I was greeted with a smile and an offer of assistance. I could ask the producer a question about timing, processes and ingredients. And I could feel the excitement each of these producers held for their products...there was none of this in the sterile monolith from earlier in the week.
At the "Fruit and Veg. " stall , I had to smile at the situation... dirt floor, only natural sunshine on my back and dare I say it..blemishes on some of the tomatoes (just like the ones I grow each summer). I filled my recyclable bag with the fruits of the labours of this family run stall. I wanted Qld Blue pumpkin but could only get Butternut.No big deal. I asked for some boc choy and the lady passed me a bunch and asked if I've ever used Fennel. I said "No" and she threw me a knob and told me to try it and buy some more next week. I know this could not happen INSTORE.
A similar thing happened at the Olive stall. I only knew the name of the Kalamata variety. When I asked for them the stallholder presented me with a taste plate of 4 different varieties and styles. He explained the idiosyncrasies of each and suggested the style to suit my menu.. I felt very informed when I served them to my guests that evening.
After a very leisurely walk around the first half of the market, the smell of freshly brewed coffee sent my olfactory nerve into arrest. A hot Macciato and a sourdough pretzel , just what I needed, then back to finish my shopping. No queues , no red light specials... just clean fresh air ,smiling faces and a feeling of DOING THE RIGHT THING.... for Me , for the Community and I hope for Producers across the country.
May I suggest to you... make the time, find a farmers market in your area and FEEL the difference this type of shopping can make to your psyche. Buy fresh, eat well and.... FEEL GOOD !
Saturday, March 5, 2011
An Eye to the Future...
One of the traps a small business can fall into, is that everything is too hard or too expensive.. However don't forget to concider the hidden costs of NOT looking "Outside the Square".
Earlier this year at Country Valley, we decided to include two goals to our 2011 business plan. The first was to try to develop an environment where team members would feel that this was "more than a job". Country Valley could be a place of WORK.. LEARNING and (Enjoyment). We set out to establish a training regime that would prepare our workers for the ever changing environment we find ourselves struggling to compete in. We placed three of our leading team members in a course that would lead to a cert. 4 Front line Management Course.
With the knowledge these staff gain, we hope to narrow the gap between Decision and Fruition . We hope that there will be a greater understanding of Country Valley's goals and a stronger sense of ownership in those goals.... Only time will tell, but we feel its worth the investment.
On the subject of investment in the future, Country Valley has "removed a leg" in its efforts to lower our CARBON FOOTPRINT. As from Friday 11th March, we will be connected to "The Grid". with our solar power. We will return power to the system and in turn lower our overall energy consumption. We see this as another opportunity to follow our long set ethos of a more sustainable work place.
With the growing pressures of $2.00 milk and competition from Internationally owned dairy companies, Country Valley sees its future in providing award winning products with low food miles, a very small carbon footprint and all this produced by involved staff who can take pride in the hours they spend at Country Valley Milk
THIS CAN ONLY BENEFIT THE COMPANY, THE STAFF AND THE COUNTRY !!!!
Earlier this year at Country Valley, we decided to include two goals to our 2011 business plan. The first was to try to develop an environment where team members would feel that this was "more than a job". Country Valley could be a place of WORK.. LEARNING and (Enjoyment). We set out to establish a training regime that would prepare our workers for the ever changing environment we find ourselves struggling to compete in. We placed three of our leading team members in a course that would lead to a cert. 4 Front line Management Course.
With the knowledge these staff gain, we hope to narrow the gap between Decision and Fruition . We hope that there will be a greater understanding of Country Valley's goals and a stronger sense of ownership in those goals.... Only time will tell, but we feel its worth the investment.
On the subject of investment in the future, Country Valley has "removed a leg" in its efforts to lower our CARBON FOOTPRINT. As from Friday 11th March, we will be connected to "The Grid". with our solar power. We will return power to the system and in turn lower our overall energy consumption. We see this as another opportunity to follow our long set ethos of a more sustainable work place.
With the growing pressures of $2.00 milk and competition from Internationally owned dairy companies, Country Valley sees its future in providing award winning products with low food miles, a very small carbon footprint and all this produced by involved staff who can take pride in the hours they spend at Country Valley Milk
THIS CAN ONLY BENEFIT THE COMPANY, THE STAFF AND THE COUNTRY !!!!
Saturday, February 26, 2011
What it means to us...
If you follow Country Valley facebook or this blog, you probably know that Country Valley Milk was very successful at the recent Sydney Royal Cheese and Dairy show (2011). We received Champion ribbon award for our Lush Natural Yoghurt and a Champion Award for the best milk ( Country Valley Organic Lite ). As well as winning the Most Successful Milk Exhibitor .
To a VERY small processing business , this means that somebody recognised that although our labels were hand done and our tubs were filled by two very dedicated ladies or that someone had to physically place each bottle onto the filler line.... your end product was as good OR better than the output of many ,multi million dollar processing plants across the state
To us , that is the golden handshake for our paid (and unpaid) labours day in and day out. If you put a product out in a small community and it is not 100% you get the feedback very quickly... When we receive these accolades the whole community reacts. People we dont know phone,email and talk to us on facebook. They relate their story AND they stand up and be recognised as a Country Valley customer.To all these people we say CONGRATULATIONS, because they already knew what the judges just found out... the products are premium quality and we get them to you with low food miles and at a sustainable price for you , us and THE FARMER.
Everyone one of us likes to think our work hours are not just CLOCK IN/ CLOCK OUT. Awards like the ones we received, let everyone on the factory floor feel their effort has been justified. They all physically touched each bottle and it was their efforts to do their job properly that saw these rewards. At each morning tea and every lunch break, the topic of awards comes up.... "I made that tub of yoghurt." , "I bottled that batch of milk.."
Can your job give you that opportunity? We feel very chuffed by the whole experience.
If we could ask for any flow-on for these awards, I think we would ask that the public stop and ask themselves... Do I want to give my family the best? Does the multi national company I currently buy from have my childs and my country's future in mind? DO YOURSELF A FAVOUR! Go to your local farmers market, talk to the producers and buy products that are made with the care and excitement you put into your young childs birthday cake. They and WE need your support to continue to fight the good fight against our huge corporate competitors .
To a VERY small processing business , this means that somebody recognised that although our labels were hand done and our tubs were filled by two very dedicated ladies or that someone had to physically place each bottle onto the filler line.... your end product was as good OR better than the output of many ,multi million dollar processing plants across the state
To us , that is the golden handshake for our paid (and unpaid) labours day in and day out. If you put a product out in a small community and it is not 100% you get the feedback very quickly... When we receive these accolades the whole community reacts. People we dont know phone,email and talk to us on facebook. They relate their story AND they stand up and be recognised as a Country Valley customer.To all these people we say CONGRATULATIONS, because they already knew what the judges just found out... the products are premium quality and we get them to you with low food miles and at a sustainable price for you , us and THE FARMER.
Everyone one of us likes to think our work hours are not just CLOCK IN/ CLOCK OUT. Awards like the ones we received, let everyone on the factory floor feel their effort has been justified. They all physically touched each bottle and it was their efforts to do their job properly that saw these rewards. At each morning tea and every lunch break, the topic of awards comes up.... "I made that tub of yoghurt." , "I bottled that batch of milk.."
Can your job give you that opportunity? We feel very chuffed by the whole experience.
If we could ask for any flow-on for these awards, I think we would ask that the public stop and ask themselves... Do I want to give my family the best? Does the multi national company I currently buy from have my childs and my country's future in mind? DO YOURSELF A FAVOUR! Go to your local farmers market, talk to the producers and buy products that are made with the care and excitement you put into your young childs birthday cake. They and WE need your support to continue to fight the good fight against our huge corporate competitors .
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Duped by the Duopoly????
- Do you choose the doctor your family uses?
- Do you use your own judgement when you choose a restaurant?
- Can you make decisions without corporate interference?
- Is the greater good important to you?
This is the case with the $2.00 milk you are enjoying today! If this UNSUSTAINABLE price is maintained, who do you think will pay the estimated $30,000,000 shortfall in the bottom line of these two companies? Coles says it will...I suggest we will pay more at the checkout and the farmer who produced this milk and the farmer who produced the other brands (just to give us product choice) will be forced into more hardship.
Some people in our community are struggling to meet food costs and the cheaper products will be a Godsend....Not one farmer would begrudge these people assistance. For the rest of us, why not stand up and be counted. If you enjoy a latte or cappuccino during your day or you have made a life choice to give your family the best you can afford , then consider whether those SUPERMARKETS are the best place for you to spend your food dollar?
Did you go into the SUPERMARKET and choose to buy the $2.00 milk? Were you coerced into that shop by an aggressive marketing campaign that will see the working end of that product adversely affected.... DID YOU BUY ANYTHING ELSE? Were you duped into advancing the company's cause?
Small milk processing businesses like Country Valley cannot compete with these prices. Our scales of economy prevent us from slashing 33% from our product price. Our product has proven to be a premium product. Country Valley demands our small scale producers maintain a very high standard of milk production. We are going to enormous lengths to gear our plant towards a low carbon footprint and we are always very aware that we need to embrace the ethos of sustainability.
These ideals come at a cost, and we want to be able to carry these costs into the future....we cannot if YOU choose to take the short term easy option.
Don't be used in a marketing war between two giant corporations. Think of the consequence of your decision and stand up for what you believe in.... a better Australia!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Careful what you wish for...
The major meltdown with our labels lead many of our staff to beg for a new system... IT'S ON THE WAY!!!
Some people have been concerned with the clarity of our "Use By " date.... The new printer is in the mail.
Lots of people have, over many years, told me they thought our leader was on another planet... WELL, now we have SOLAR POWER.
Sadly , to all those who told him to "Go to ...." We do not have under floor heating... YET.
Some people have been concerned with the clarity of our "Use By " date.... The new printer is in the mail.
Lots of people have, over many years, told me they thought our leader was on another planet... WELL, now we have SOLAR POWER.
Sadly , to all those who told him to "Go to ...." We do not have under floor heating... YET.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
The Story behind the "Bobby Calf"
As a company, Country Valley Milk whole heartedly supports local dairy farmers. Speaking for myself, I would like to respond to recent press reports of cruelty in the treatment of Bobby Calves....
Dairy farmers to a person live and breathe animals. They get up EVERY morning , feed , milk and care for their animals... No flexi-time , no overtime and no penalty rates.
It is a fact that cows must calve before they can lactate. In the greater farming community,genetic interference is frowned apon , therefore some of the offspring will be male and some female. In the DAIRY industry males do not produce milk so they are a commodity with limited value, but they are part of the farmers herd.
The pregnant cow calves in a custom designed paddock were she is comfortable. The farmer will bring mother and calf back to the dairy almost always between milkings (ie after 9.00am -- before 3.00pm). If the calf is born overnight it will be with its mother at least until 3.00pm the next day. The calf has complete access to Mum over this period, the calf suckles and is soothed in this very important period in both their lives.
At the next milking , the cow is placed in the herd , her rich colostrum milk is collected for the first 3--5 days, this is fed to any calves that have been born recently. The new calf settles when Mum is away, because its natural instincts tell it to lie down and remain still and quiet. It has a full stomach and needs only to survive if it were in the wild.
Next milking Mum is returned to the dairy with the herd... because her milk is still not suitable for human consumption, the farmer puts the cow with her calf and the baby wastes no time enjoying Mum's morning or afternoon offering.
This cycle continues until sale day... in most cases in rural areas, sale day is once a week and the calves are mostly picked up from the dairy as early as possible on that morning... well before the farmer has had time to collect his new born calves. Therefore, most of the calves that the dairy farmer sends to the sale have been fed regularly and they have also grown accustomed to separation from Mum.
Every farmer would love to be in a position to rear every one of his calves, but the economics of this in an industry prone to flood , fire, drought and now public opinion, force him/her to make some hard decisions... one of these is they must sell young male calves to enable them to rear replacement stock for their future livelihood.
These calves are part of the farming family and every farmer worth his salt, will insist that every animal be treated with care and compassion.
Dairy farmers to a person live and breathe animals. They get up EVERY morning , feed , milk and care for their animals... No flexi-time , no overtime and no penalty rates.
It is a fact that cows must calve before they can lactate. In the greater farming community,genetic interference is frowned apon , therefore some of the offspring will be male and some female. In the DAIRY industry males do not produce milk so they are a commodity with limited value, but they are part of the farmers herd.
The pregnant cow calves in a custom designed paddock were she is comfortable. The farmer will bring mother and calf back to the dairy almost always between milkings (ie after 9.00am -- before 3.00pm). If the calf is born overnight it will be with its mother at least until 3.00pm the next day. The calf has complete access to Mum over this period, the calf suckles and is soothed in this very important period in both their lives.
At the next milking , the cow is placed in the herd , her rich colostrum milk is collected for the first 3--5 days, this is fed to any calves that have been born recently. The new calf settles when Mum is away, because its natural instincts tell it to lie down and remain still and quiet. It has a full stomach and needs only to survive if it were in the wild.
Next milking Mum is returned to the dairy with the herd... because her milk is still not suitable for human consumption, the farmer puts the cow with her calf and the baby wastes no time enjoying Mum's morning or afternoon offering.
This cycle continues until sale day... in most cases in rural areas, sale day is once a week and the calves are mostly picked up from the dairy as early as possible on that morning... well before the farmer has had time to collect his new born calves. Therefore, most of the calves that the dairy farmer sends to the sale have been fed regularly and they have also grown accustomed to separation from Mum.
Every farmer would love to be in a position to rear every one of his calves, but the economics of this in an industry prone to flood , fire, drought and now public opinion, force him/her to make some hard decisions... one of these is they must sell young male calves to enable them to rear replacement stock for their future livelihood.
These calves are part of the farming family and every farmer worth his salt, will insist that every animal be treated with care and compassion.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Valley High.
We are now 3 weeks into 2011 and production figures and sales continue there upward trend. Over the last 2 weeks we have regularly bottled over 23,000 litres... a figure that seemed impossible only months ago.
Congratulations to the South Coast Milk company , over this holiday period, their sales reached record highs , up and down the coast.
As usual, with ups there comes some downs... this week the labeller went into panic mode, then had an irreversible melt down. This saw the very able staff putting labels on bottles... BY HAND. Does anyone know how many bottles there are in 23,000 litres of milk ? (A BLOODY LOT.) . So ,if you buy a bottle and the label is not perfect, please forgive us. We did get over it by the end of the 9th hour and certainly by the end of the 11th.
A big shout out to all our staff (and some extras ) who did the hard yards when we asked them to... THANK YOU ALL.
The end of this week sees the GRAND opening of the 2nd Choku Bi Jo store in Curtin, ACT. We wish Ben and his team all the very best. See him and taste their wares at Curtin shops(8.00--1.00) Saturday.
Our other entry point into the ACT area is at the huge Saturday and Sunday Farmers Markets... Get up early take your recyclable shopping bags and buy the freshest product you can get.`Its not a chore its an experience.
In Sydney, the story goes on. Delicious Dairies, Pure Choice and our Farmers Market experts , Fresh Foods are selling up a storm, check out their websites and/or PHONE? them. They all carry the freshest "Good" food money can buy
Once again, our local area support is endless . At the recent Camdan Farmers Markets, we have people just getting home from holidays, some getting ready to return to work and others planning late season breaks , but they all stocked up on Country Valley products. Wollondilly Farmgate is spreading the "GOOD " food word, taking loads of locally produced fresh food to your door... check him out by following the links from Country Valley.
We as primary Producers and fresh food advocates, send our heart felt support to all those who are still being devastated by the recent flooding..farming is hard work but without natures help it can be heartbreaking.
Congratulations to the South Coast Milk company , over this holiday period, their sales reached record highs , up and down the coast.
As usual, with ups there comes some downs... this week the labeller went into panic mode, then had an irreversible melt down. This saw the very able staff putting labels on bottles... BY HAND. Does anyone know how many bottles there are in 23,000 litres of milk ? (A BLOODY LOT.) . So ,if you buy a bottle and the label is not perfect, please forgive us. We did get over it by the end of the 9th hour and certainly by the end of the 11th.
A big shout out to all our staff (and some extras ) who did the hard yards when we asked them to... THANK YOU ALL.
The end of this week sees the GRAND opening of the 2nd Choku Bi Jo store in Curtin, ACT. We wish Ben and his team all the very best. See him and taste their wares at Curtin shops(8.00--1.00) Saturday.
Our other entry point into the ACT area is at the huge Saturday and Sunday Farmers Markets... Get up early take your recyclable shopping bags and buy the freshest product you can get.`Its not a chore its an experience.
In Sydney, the story goes on. Delicious Dairies, Pure Choice and our Farmers Market experts , Fresh Foods are selling up a storm, check out their websites and/or PHONE? them. They all carry the freshest "Good" food money can buy
Once again, our local area support is endless . At the recent Camdan Farmers Markets, we have people just getting home from holidays, some getting ready to return to work and others planning late season breaks , but they all stocked up on Country Valley products. Wollondilly Farmgate is spreading the "GOOD " food word, taking loads of locally produced fresh food to your door... check him out by following the links from Country Valley.
We as primary Producers and fresh food advocates, send our heart felt support to all those who are still being devastated by the recent flooding..farming is hard work but without natures help it can be heartbreaking.
Monday, January 3, 2011
2011 in "The Valley"
Country Valley Milk will be back in production as from tomorrow(TUES 4TH). We have everything in order for another big year in the Valley. Management and staff wish all our current customers AND all the new businesses and consumers who have shown an interest over the Xmas /New Year period, a very Happy 2011.
Our Farmer's market team of Tom Fairley and the Choku Bai Jo team in Canberra are gearing up to provide fresh food and DAIRY products to the Politically Corrected people of our nation's capital. You can find them at the Saturday market , the Sunday farmers market and check out the Nth Lynhem, Choku Bai Jo shop.
In Sydney you should contact either Delicious Dairies , Pure Choice or our Sydney produce market representative,David at Fresh Foods. These guys work extremely hard to get our products to the wider community... they know us and they know our products, just ask them.
We have not forgot our roots, if you would like your local store in Macarthur, Wollondilly or on the Highlands, to stock Country Valley Milk, just ask your manager... we will deliver to your store... or you can contact Wollondilly Farmgate and Quinton will deliver all the Country Valley products as well as a huge range of quality LOCAL products to your door... check out his website .
Finally to the very loyal customers at the Camden Farmers Market... you can come and say Gday to me or to the team from Farmgate at any of the markets in the New Year... bring your shopping trolley buy the best "Good Food" in the area and enjoy the experience of buying from the people who make the best food you can find in our LOCAL area.
Our Farmer's market team of Tom Fairley and the Choku Bai Jo team in Canberra are gearing up to provide fresh food and DAIRY products to the Politically Corrected people of our nation's capital. You can find them at the Saturday market , the Sunday farmers market and check out the Nth Lynhem, Choku Bai Jo shop.
In Sydney you should contact either Delicious Dairies , Pure Choice or our Sydney produce market representative,David at Fresh Foods. These guys work extremely hard to get our products to the wider community... they know us and they know our products, just ask them.
We have not forgot our roots, if you would like your local store in Macarthur, Wollondilly or on the Highlands, to stock Country Valley Milk, just ask your manager... we will deliver to your store... or you can contact Wollondilly Farmgate and Quinton will deliver all the Country Valley products as well as a huge range of quality LOCAL products to your door... check out his website .
Finally to the very loyal customers at the Camden Farmers Market... you can come and say Gday to me or to the team from Farmgate at any of the markets in the New Year... bring your shopping trolley buy the best "Good Food" in the area and enjoy the experience of buying from the people who make the best food you can find in our LOCAL area.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)