We’ve been using biodynamic milk since we opened in 2010. We couldn’t be more proud to work with Mark and Lynne Peterson at Alcheringa Farm in Shepparton, Victoria. There are so many amazing aspects to this product that we feel are important to share. Biodynamic, chemical-free, ethical farming practise, animal diet and welfare, carbon emission reductions and seasonality of produce are just some of the myriad positive attributes of this delicious milk.

Biodynamics

What does biodynamic mean? Biodynamics is a holistic, ecological, and ethical approach to farming, gardening, food, and nutrition. Biodynamics focuses on creating the conditions for optimal soil, plant, and animal health, providing balanced nutrition and supporting healthy immunity.

The dairy industry is a complex, often ethically divisive industry. Some farmers are cutting costs and increasing productivity to make ends meet. Others, like Mark and Lyn, have a more holistic approach. Converting to a certified biodynamic farm wasn’t an easy process. Cows that are used to eating grain and receiving regular chemical treatments can’t just go cold-turkey. It’s a slow process for the farmers and the cows. Biodynamic farming places a lot of focus on soil health, and the land in Shepparton needed lots of love.

Happy Cows

We learned so much when visiting the farm. Mark prides himself on being a grass farmer, and the cows simply get to enjoy the fruits of that labour. Lucky cows! The cows looked so healthy and happy. No chemicals or anti-biotics are used at Alcheringa. The cows even get maternity leave (unpaid), so the calves get to enjoy the highly nutritious, colostrum-rich milk that’s produced post calving. This reduces the farm’s milk output, but we’re so happy to know that the little cows get to spend quality time with their mums, and enjoy the best milk going around. Lucky little devils. 

Grain fed vs grass fed

They say you are what you eat and the beautiful Jersey and Fresian girls that produce this milk have the best diet around… mmmmm… grass 🤤Conventional grain fed dairy farming is known for being a large carbon/methane producer. The grain-based diet leads to high volumes of methane production. Grass fed cows produce 40-50% less methane, which is a huge reduction! Being a biodynamic farm, Alcheringa’s farming techniques maximise the health and biological activity of the soil, which in turn creates nutrient rich grass and happy, healthy cows. The biologically active soil at Alcheringa is also more carbon absorbent, which further reduces the carbon released into the environment. Biodynamically farmed grass-fed cows are not only happier, they’re better for the environment. That’s a win win!

Seasonality

When the seasons change, different grasses grow at different rates and therefore the cows’ diet changes. This means the flavour of the milk changes too. As much as we try to keep our coffee tasting consistent, we celebrate the seasonal changes in this delicious, high quality product.

Can you taste the difference?