A FAMILY-owned dairy farm is working hard to maintain its viability by expanding its number of milk vending machines.

Michelmersh Manor Farm, near Romsey, has received the go-ahead to install its 11th vending machine so residents can buy fresh milk or milkshakes 24 hours a day.

A new machine will be installed in Milbrook, outside Costcutter in Oakley Road, within the next month.

Hampshire Chronicle: Michelmersh Manor Farm milk vending machineMichelmersh Manor Farm milk vending machine (Image: Michelmersh Manor Farm)

Farm owner John Drake and his family began processing the milk from their 250 cows during the pandemic.

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A year and a half on, the family business is now selling its milk directly to around 20 Romsey businesses as well as filling up its vending machines across Romsey, Salisbury and Winchester.

Mr Drake, 60, said: “It was always the plan to expand the business in order to make it viable. We will hopefully continue increasing our milk sales.

“The response has been very good because people genuinely care about the environment and want to support local businesses as we are a dying breed.

“The revenue we receive from our product is pretty poor hence why producer numbers have been falling dramatically and that’s what drove us to start making direct sales. It’s the only way we can see a future.”

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Hampshire Chronicle: Dairy cow at Michelmersh Manor FarmDairy cow at Michelmersh Manor Farm (Image: Michelmersh Manor Farm)

One litre glass bottles of fresh pasteurised milk are available for £1.50 at Manor Farm’s vending machines as well as reusable glass bottles for £2.20.

The Loddon and Test Leader Programme awarded a grant to the vending machine project a year ago, enabling the farm to purchase five more machines.

As well as cows, the farm is home to sheep, chickens, guinea fowl, peacocks and horses, looked after by John, his wife Fran, sons Alex and Scott and daughter Tessa.

The family also offers different retreats and accommodation options for holiday getaways.

For more go to michelmershmanorfarm.com/.