A North Yorkshire dairy farm has upgraded its diversification project with the latest vending technology.
The Chapman family launched their Free Range Yorkshire Raw Milk brand five years ago and have now invested in a new roadside vending machine to make it easier for customers to buy their creamy raw milk and flavoured milks.
The new vending machine at Manor Farm, Kirby Sigston, near Northallerton, was formally opened by Rishi.
Rishi, whose family home is nearby, said: “I see the Chapman family’s cows grazing in the fields near my home and it is great to able to buy the milk those cows produce so directly and easily.
“It is commendable that the family are investing in the business and the local brand they have created.”
Andrew Chapman, who runs the farm with his father Edgar, said: “We were proud to have Rishi come and officially open our new raw milk and milkshake vending machine venture. Since becoming our local MP and neighbour, he has always made supporting the rural economy a priority.”
Regularly available milkshake flavours include chocolate, strawberry and salted caramel. Customers can use their own bottles or purchase branded re-useable bottle from the machine. Special, seasonal flavours are also available – such as Hot Cross Bun during the recent Easter weekend.
Payment can be made in the form of cash or card.
The family milk a herd of 80 Holstein Friesians and has supplied their milk to the Wensleydale Creamery at Hawes since 2014.
Mr Chapman said the launch of the raw milk enterprise five years ago helped to make the business more resilient and sustainable.
The farm was also accessing support via a Countryside Stewardship agreement which had helped to fund investment in hedging, boundary fencing and tree planting. The farm has also signed up to the Sustainable Farming Initiative – part of the Government’s Environmental Land Management farming programme – taking actions to plant herbal leys and an over-winter cover crop.
