22 | nzdairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Henderson Dairy Farm Fresh Milk Raw milk continues to attract customers seeking a less processed option. Russell Fredric More Southland households are bypassing the supermarket shelf in favour of fresh farm-supplied milk, drawn by its natural goodness and knowing exactly where it comes from. This shift is supporting steady growth for Henderson Dairy, based at Pukerau, 10 minutes out of Gore, where Geoff and Beth Henderson have built a loyal customer base during the past decade. The business supplies both raw and pasteurised milk direct to households, alongside pasteurised product to a growing number of retail outlets and cafés across Southland, with deliveries now running five days a week as volumes have increased. Henderson Dairy’s is delivered across Eastern and Northern Southland, Tapanui and Invercargill. Two refrigerated vehicles service the routes, as well as supplying Café Ambience in Gore and Crossroads Café in Clinton. “The demand for our milk is increasing, our name is certainly getting pretty well known now, but we are focused on supplying locally,” Beth says. That local focus remains central as the business expands its footprint. Consumers are choosing Henderson Dairy farm fresh milk for its back-to-basics minimal processing and provenance, sourced from a family farm. “To be able to sell raw milk, it is a legal requirement that nothing is added in and nothing is removed.” Henderson Dairy is the only Southland A2 raw milk supplier selling in reusable glass bottles and remains one of a small number of registered raw milk suppliers in the South Island. The glass bottles also reduce packaging waste, reinforcing a practical, low-waste approach. Ease of purchase has been refined as volumes have increased, with a simple token system used to streamline deliveries. “One token equals one bottle of milk, and customers can pre-purchase them so they don’t have to worry about having the right money on delivery day.” At the farm level, around 250 cows are milked across 110 hectares, with a separate bottling herd of about 25 to 30 A2-tested cows producing milk for direct sale. Households are bypassing the supermarket This herd is managed independently from the main milking herd to maintain consistency and quality. Geoff and Beth continually strive to improve the Proud to support Henderson Dairy Farm Fresh Milk 21 Springford Street Come in and enjoy delicious Emporio co ee prepared by our barista and browse our fresh, healthy menu. All meals are made in-house inspired by European flavours. Dine in or takeaway Mon-Fri 7:30am- 4:30pm Sat 8am- 2pm, ClosedSunday 51Main St, Gore 03 208 5888
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