• Livestock
• Economics

On Farm Milk Sales

Many farms have invested in fresh milk vending machines as a means of diversifying and getting more money for their milk. While these can be very successful there are the lot things that need to be got right and pit-falls that need to be avoided.. Vending machines have been on the market for many years and are becoming increasingly popular. Most machines need the milk to be pasteurised before it is placed in the vending machine. While in some countries it is possible to sell raw (unpasteurised milk) this comes with a lot more requirements and is riskier. Farm location is also vital, as passing traffic is needed to generate a regular income and repeat buyers. Most farmers with a milk vending machine usually have a second machine which dispenses reusable glass bottles. It may be necessary for the farm to become an “approved premises” for selling food under EC 853/2004. It is good practice to get a consultant to prepare a HACCP document. Many farms also use this as an opportunity to sell other goods at the same site.