When Small Business Secrets visited the Fairley farm earlier this year, Country Valley Milk was affected by severe drought.
As a result, the business’ bottom line has been hit hard, with owner John Fairley's been hand-feeding his herd at a cost of around $8,000 a week.
In an effort to save his farm – a farm that’s been with the Fairley family since the 1850s – John's recently put out a call for help asking the public to adopt his cows.
Proceeds will go to keeping the cows fed until spring.
“You get a farm tour and also an adoption certificate, and you can name your own cow – and a photo of the cow – and then, later on, you get a farm tour during the winter and spring,” says John.
“The whole adopt-a-cow has done too, is open people’s eyes up to how bad the drought really is.”
Pensioners, school children and companies have signed on to help save the farm.
“It’s very heartwarming actually. We’ve got about 1,400 emails from people who’ve donated and anything from $10 all the way up – unbelievable.”
“One lady’s daughter died last year, and her name was Jessica, so she wanted to name the cow Jessica. But she’s also asked us to find a Jessica in the local area to donate the farm tour to. That really touched us.”
With current donations, the Fairley farm will be able to feed their stock right up until September.
John says, “With some very careful budgeting, we might get through to November.”
The Fairley’s sustainable approach to farming also means Country Valley Milk is a healthier option.
“We chook manure which is composted and organic, and we make our own compost so we’re not putting all the chemicals on the ground, “John says.
“I like to think we farm ethically, process our milk ethically and pay ethically.”
