THE IRVINE FAMILY FARM
Our Story
Many of you reading this will be able to remember the sound of the milkman coming; this was my grandfather. As a child my father would reminisce by telling me stories of the ‘good ol’ days’ before supermarkets became the one stop shop. Early mornings, no matter the weather conditions, both of them would hop in the milk truck and deliver fresh milk in glass bottles to families around Christchurch.
MILK MADE US
Milk runs through the Irvine veins; it didn’t stop there. My Dad, David Irvine, went on to pursue his own love of milk by purchasing his very own dairy farm, bought in 1984. It wasn’t an easy road for a young man in his mid-twenties, giving up his life as a mechanic and his pride and joy; a 1968 Ford Mustang to purchase the place we now call home. I am forever grateful to my parents for the childhood I was given growing up on the farm.
HARD WORK AND FAMILY VALUES
One cannot understate the matriarch of this family, my mum, who has supported my father both on and off farm. Life is precious and we as a family have experienced the reality of this first hand. In 1996 Dad fell ill with a heart related virus, having to take his first ever day off! Looking back now as adults we see how hard our Dad worked and continues to do so. 2003 was a significant year for our family, to say the least. Dad had to undergo a life-saving heart transplant and his recovery took a toll on the family. Dad had to learn to walk again and oddly began to like avocados; we were definitely amused by that one!
THE BEGINNINGS OF CANTERBURY'S CHOICE
It was always a dream of my Dad’s to bring back tradition by supplying Cantabrians with milk in glass bottles, as his father did. The second generation wanted this to become a reality and with this, Canterbury’s Choice was established. We have gone full circle, putting A2 milk into glass bottles and delivering it all across Canterbury just as they did.
OUR FARMER SAYS
Alex Irvine
From our family to yours, we pride ourselves in bringing farm fresh A2 milk to Kiwis. Bringing back the milkman, the glass bottle and most importantly, the cream on top we all remember.
VALUES AND PRACTICES
Our Farm
We pride ourselves on our farming practices and values. We farm with a heavy emphasis on the environment to protect our land, flora and fauna.
Our farm is located in Springston surrounded by natural springs, a resource that is close to our heart. We have cared for the springs for over 40 years and continue to make this a priority to Canterbury’s Choice.
HAPPY COWS
If the cows aren't happy then neither are we!
The way the cows are farmed are the best in the industry.
During milking our girls listen to classical music and munch on home-grown barley grain. They graze on the lush pastures in Selwyn for over 90% of the day. Our 10,000 native plants and trees shelter them from the weather.
No Palm Kernel - No Bobby Calves - No Harmful Sprays
SELF SUFFICIENT
We are 100% self sufficient with our land. We don’t buy in any feed; we grow all of our own grain, corn, kale, cereals that feed our girls. We love being able to give our girls the nutrients they need! This is why our milk is of such high quality!
AWARD WINNING MILK
Milk Quality Excellence
We have been Grade Free now for a number of years and receive milk quality excellence awards year on year due to our happy cows and sustainable practices.