Raw milk in Gordonton

*UPDATE:  Molly’s Milk has sadly closed down its sale of raw milk.  29 October 2019

 

 

Raw milk is again for sale from a farm in Gordonton. Molly’s Milk, run by Aaron and Laura Deveth, opened for business on Piako Rd on Tuesday 26 February.

“It’s real milk, straight from the cow,” Laura told N8N. There is absolutely no processing in our milk, no pasteurisation, no homogenising. Everything is done by hand with a strict and thorough cleaning process.”

The milk is $3 per litre and any container can be used – so long as it fits in the dispensing window. Glass bottles are available for $5 each.

This is not the first time raw farm milk has been available on Piako Rd. “We heard they started something similar but don’t know too much about their system, however we are supplying A2 milk.”

A2 milk refers to the proteins in cow milk – most cows produce A1 and A2 proteins. “We have hand-picked our cows and all of our girls produce A2 proteins. A2 milk is reported to be better on the digestive system, and better for people who usually struggle with drinking milk.”

She says raw milk has a great taste, is creamier and richer. “My grandma thinks it makes the best ice cream! The pasteurisation process changes the structure of the proteins and destroys the naturally occurring probiotics that benefit the digestive system.”

There is less of an environmental footprint, as well. “The only time our product travels is when you take it home.”

The couple, who have a 10-month old son Isaac, have been farming for six years. Both from the Waikato, they spent four years farming in the South Island and recently returned to the district.

“We were lucky that Aaron’s parents bought this farm, which meant we could be closer to our family and the community we love.”

Aaron had always been interested in raw milk – there was a raw milk station operating in Timaru and both thought this was the perfect opportunity to try it. They farm 170 ha and run 560 cows.

“When we first arrived there was an old 10-a-side herringbone shed that was overgrown and hadn’t been used for a while.”

It took months to get the grounds and shed up to standard but the hard work paid off when they opened for business last month.

“Our tag line is ‘from our home to yours’ – and we really want to share our home with customers. We’re working on fun activities for kids while they are here and getting farm animals to look at. We want to create a place where people want to come with their families and enjoy a bit of rural living.”

The raw milk herd of 10 cows is kept separate from the main herd on about 5 ha. Laura says they want to keep the operation sustainable and local.

Feedback so far has been great – “people are really enjoying the milk. We understand some are coming from Hamilton for it.”

The name Molly’s Milk was from a calf who was born at the wrong time of the year. “We took a liking to her and called her Molly. She is super friendly and loves to come up for a tickle and cuddle from people, we thought it would be great to have her as part of our team and something fun for people to do when they come to get milk.”

In the meantime, once systems are established, they’re looking at having an official opening party for all to enjoy. Watch this space!

• Molly’s Milk is open seven days, at 584 Piako Rd.