Buffalo Farmers Expand Roadside Shop with New Dairy Products and Plans for Growth
Source: DairyNews.today
Thorabella Farm, located in Dallas, has expanded its roadside shop offerings with the addition of milk and ice cream made from its Jersey herd. This move marks just one of the exciting developments at the farm, with plans for further growth set for next year.
Owners Ollie and Nikki Lake announced that their Jersey cows will now provide creamy milk, available fr om a vending machine at the farm’s shop. In collaboration with Simpson’s of Buckie, the farm is also offering a range of Jersey milk ice cream in flavors such as raspberry ripple, biscoff, and Scottish tablet.
“We’re incredibly proud to introduce our Jersey milk and ice cream to customers,” said Nikki. “It’s been a great way to share the fruits of our hard work, and we’re thrilled with the reception.”
Expanding the Shop and New Projects for Spring
In addition to the new dairy products, the farm has been busy with the construction of straw bale cabins that have welcomed guests fr om around the world, including locations such as New Delhi and Canada. Nikki shared that after a successful summer hosting guests, the focus is now shifting to expanding the shop in the spring.
“We’re excited to increase the variety of local products we can offer, alongside our own farm-grown produce,” Nikki added. “Additionally, we are building a walking path around the farm wh ere visitors can view the animals.”
Seasonal Events and Growing Local Engagement
The farm plans to host a range of seasonal events in 2024, including lambing, Easter activities, farmers' markets, and celebrations for Halloween and Christmas. Recently featured on the BBC’s This Farming Life, the farm has gained further visibility, and Ollie emphasized their dedication to transparency and sharing the realities of farm life with customers both online and in person.
“We take pride in being seen as a genuine, hardworking family, and we love connecting with our customers,” said Ollie. “Sharing the highs and lows of farming has helped us build strong, loyal relationships and allowed us to diversify into new areas like holiday lets and farm tours.”
Since the This Farming Life feature, Thorabella Farm has added new residents, including emus fr om a local farm and Jersey cows from Forest Farm.
New Products, Repeat Customers, and Local Partnerships
The shop’s new offerings of milk and ice cream have attracted both repeat and new customers, bolstering its popularity in the local community. Thorabella’s products are now also featured in nearby eateries, including the Station Hotel in Rothes, Kenny’s Coffee and Grill in Forres, and the MacAllan Restaurant, wh ere the farm’s produce is showcased.
“We’re excited to supply local restaurants with our farm’s products, and we enjoy showing chefs around the farm to give them a deeper understanding of wh ere their ingredients come from,” Ollie said.
Thorabella Farm continues to offer a range of products directly to customers, including buffalo, Highland beef, and pork meat, as well as apple juice, honey, and now, milk and ice cream.
Visiting Thorabella Farm
Thorabella Farm is located just outside Forres. To visit, take St Leonard’s Road out of town, fork right at the Knockando and Dallas sign, and follow the road for two miles. Turn right between a telegraph pole and a tree, and Thorabella will be on the right. Visitors can spot the shop at the end of the farm’s drive.
“We’re incredibly proud to introduce our Jersey milk and ice cream to customers,” said Nikki. “It’s been a great way to share the fruits of our hard work, and we’re thrilled with the reception.”
Expanding the Shop and New Projects for Spring
In addition to the new dairy products, the farm has been busy with the construction of straw bale cabins that have welcomed guests fr om around the world, including locations such as New Delhi and Canada. Nikki shared that after a successful summer hosting guests, the focus is now shifting to expanding the shop in the spring.
“We’re excited to increase the variety of local products we can offer, alongside our own farm-grown produce,” Nikki added. “Additionally, we are building a walking path around the farm wh ere visitors can view the animals.”
Seasonal Events and Growing Local Engagement
The farm plans to host a range of seasonal events in 2024, including lambing, Easter activities, farmers' markets, and celebrations for Halloween and Christmas. Recently featured on the BBC’s This Farming Life, the farm has gained further visibility, and Ollie emphasized their dedication to transparency and sharing the realities of farm life with customers both online and in person.
“We take pride in being seen as a genuine, hardworking family, and we love connecting with our customers,” said Ollie. “Sharing the highs and lows of farming has helped us build strong, loyal relationships and allowed us to diversify into new areas like holiday lets and farm tours.”
Since the This Farming Life feature, Thorabella Farm has added new residents, including emus fr om a local farm and Jersey cows from Forest Farm.
New Products, Repeat Customers, and Local Partnerships
The shop’s new offerings of milk and ice cream have attracted both repeat and new customers, bolstering its popularity in the local community. Thorabella’s products are now also featured in nearby eateries, including the Station Hotel in Rothes, Kenny’s Coffee and Grill in Forres, and the MacAllan Restaurant, wh ere the farm’s produce is showcased.
“We’re excited to supply local restaurants with our farm’s products, and we enjoy showing chefs around the farm to give them a deeper understanding of wh ere their ingredients come from,” Ollie said.
Thorabella Farm continues to offer a range of products directly to customers, including buffalo, Highland beef, and pork meat, as well as apple juice, honey, and now, milk and ice cream.
Visiting Thorabella Farm
Thorabella Farm is located just outside Forres. To visit, take St Leonard’s Road out of town, fork right at the Knockando and Dallas sign, and follow the road for two miles. Turn right between a telegraph pole and a tree, and Thorabella will be on the right. Visitors can spot the shop at the end of the farm’s drive.
