Milk vending machines take over NI countryside
Another lockdown trend that's here to stay 🥛🐓
The coronavirus pandemic has prompted more farmers to invest in vending machines to help feed the nation and provide contactless sales for customers - otherwise known as the 'farmers fridge.'
Dotted across the country, you will find pop-up vending machines supplying fresh produce; everything from free range eggs to pasteurised milk. This exciting opportunity significantly cuts down the farm to fork process, so for those searching for local products this is great alternative.
Get a glimpse into life on the farm, and discover where your favourite groceries actually come from. It's sometimes a real eye-opener seeing how much hard work and dedication our local farmers put into supplying fresh and delicious products each day.
Check out some of the on-farm vending machines we'll be checking out this summer...
If you know of some more, let us know - get in touch via social
Brookvale Farm, Dromore
Happy cows means tastier milk! The lucky cows at Brookvale Farm are treated to five star luxury, from the food they eat to the beds they lie on. The team here gently pasteurise their own milk on the County Down farm, with delicious strawberry, chocolate and banana milkshakes available too. Strawberry, Banana and Chocolate. Be sure to keep an eye on their social media pages and vote for your next 'flavour of the week'.
Chestnutts Farm, Portrush
No trip to the port is complete without a trip to Chestnutt Farm. The first of its kind in Northern Ireland, this giant milk vending machine is directly connected to the Chestnutt family milking parlour. Grab a fresh litre bottle, or try the 0.25 litre bottle for the kids with special milkshake syrups.
The Chestnutt family also offer the 'Veg Box' that sits next to their 'milk hut.' Choose from a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables. Be sure to bring some change and leave a donation towards their honesty box.
Millview Farm Vending, Millisle
If you're a Tiktok fan, you'll definitely have spotted this place on your 'For You' page. Millview Farm offers not just milk, but tasty milkshakes too. Choose from a variety of flavours, simply top the bottle up with milk, give it a good shake and voila!
Streamvale Farm, Belfast
Enjoy creamy milk pasteurised fresh on Streamvale Farm, their vending machine is located at the top of their car park. You can shop anytime, day or night, and until the month of May their syrups are totally FREE. It's also great to know that you can pay by coins and card.
Rockhouse Farm, Crossgar
Just outside Downpatrick, sits Rockhouse Farm, a family-run farm with a small dairy/beef herd, each cow with their own name. The family dedicate their time to educating customers on how they produce their milk and the daily farming routines. Milkshake flavours are available here also, first come first served, so best to be prepared!
Fenella's Farm, Cookstown
Another must-try is Fenella's egg-vending machine, just outside Cookstown. Locals have been flocking to Fenella's machine since it first started up, you can't get any fresher - these eggs are just a few days old and affordable.
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