WE CARE HOW WE MAKE OUR PRODUCTS
At Paris Creek Farms Organic Dairy, we do things a little differently
… and we’re proud of it!
AN OLDIE BUT A REAL GOODIE
Our farming practices make the difference to your dairy products
Bio-dynamics is a so-old-it’s-new approach to farming recreated by Herr Rudolf Steiner in 1924. If the name is familiar, it is because he is the very same very smart chap who created the modern education system. So he’s pretty cluey. Basically, the thinking behind bio-dynamics is that if you love the land, it will love you back. And, when it comes to our specialties of cheese, yogurt and dairy, that is a love you too can taste.New Paragraph
Okay, it sounds like a new-fangled and quite possibly painful thing you do at the gym. But bio-dynamic farming is actually really old and really cool. And it is what sets us apart from your typical cheddar factory. We’re picky. Really really picky. Every drop of milk we use at Paris Creek Farms is one of a kind. Our milk is exclusively sourced from the few bio-dynamic farms scattered around South Australia. Could it be the world’s rarest milk? It’s certainly the best-tasting.
FILL YOUR MIND WITH MINDFULNESS
Forgive us if we get a little spiritual here. But in a nutshell, bio-dynamic farming is a ‘mindful’ approach to agriculture. By listening to the land, farmers become more in tune with the cycle of nature. Instead of, say, the cycle of spraying.
It’s all about balance. Soils are restored and brought into balance through extensive use of compost made from fermented cow poop, along with minerals and herbs that encourage good bacteria and fungi.
Naturally (see what we did there?) bio-dynamic farms abhor the use of fertilisers, pesticides and fungicides. But they also have tight restrictions on whether external materials (even feeds) can be brought onto the farm.
Don’t think this could possibly make that much of a difference? Oh ye of little faith. We guarantee that one bite of any of our produce will upturn your world-view and turn you into a convert for life. To taste is to believe, my friends.
GOOD FOR THE ANIMALS, GOOD FOR YOU
Bio-dynamic farmers care deeply about the health and wellbeing of their animals. And many have a holistic approach to life that is at the core of the farm as a whole.
This doesn’t mean they teach their cows to do yoga and meditate (although it can’t hurt so why not?) But some of the techniques Herr Steiner suggested are simple common sense. Like planting with the seasons. And not sprinkling the precious earth with modern Agent Orange.
Some are a little more esoteric. But the proof is in the cheesy pudding. Farmers who have switched to bio-dynamic farming admit it works. Sometimes they don’t quite know why, but you can’t argue with the healthy soil and animals and the scrumptious produce.
It seems Nature knows best. Go figure.
HOLISTIC, NOT HOLIER THAN THOU
To sum up, bio-dynamic farms strive to create a diversified, balanced farm ecosystem that generates health and fertility from within the farm itself for as long as possible.
If you think that’s a mouthful, a mouthful of our yogurt will explain everything.
But that’s not all! A recent research study found consumption of bio-dynamic dairy products may mean increased rumenic and trans-vaccenic acid (TVA) in the breast milk of lactating women… ”both the higher contents of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and TVA as well as the lower level of elaidic acid in the milk of women consuming bio-dynamic products might conceivably contribute to a better infant’s health”.
See, we told you it was cool.
OUR MILK HELPS FIGHT CLIMATE CHANGE
We’re proud to source our 100% bio-dynamic organic milk from carbon neutral South Australian dairy farms.
As one of Australia’s largest bio-dynamic organic dairies, we put Mother Nature first and are truly passionate about creating locally sourced organic dairy products that are not only delicious but sustainably produced, too. All our wonderfully creamy 100% organic milk, butter, cheese, quark and yogurt are made using fresh South Australian milk from carbon neutral dairy farms. This rich, luscious milk is delivered fresh to our facility in Paris Creek, near Meadows in the beautiful Adelaide Hills, where it is expertly crafted into the award-winning products you know and love.
Our products contain nothing artificial: no chemicals, no pesticides or preservatives, and absolutely no Genetic Modification. We let the natural splendour of our dairy products shine, so you can enjoy Paris Creek Farms’ delicious taste knowing you’re doing the right thing by your body, as well as the environment.
We’re proud to source our 100% bio-dynamic organic milk from carbon neutral South Australian dairy farms. Our dairy farmers abide by the principles of bio-dynamic organic farming, which is one of the most regenerative, sustainable farming methodologies around.
Our farmers also have fewer cows per hectare than other, larger dairies, which further helps to lower our overall emissions. These cows are 100% free range, and graze happily amongst our farmers’ beautifully lush, South Australian pastures. But, while our dairy farms have lower carbon footprints than the average dairy farm, our sustainability journey doesn’t stop there.
Our commitment to promoting the health, wellbeing and future of our environment continues as we aim to reduce our carbon footprint even further, all the way down to net zero!
OUR SUSTAINABILITY JOURNEY
STEP 1
Identifying Our Carbon Footprint
The first step in our journey was understanding what the current carbon footprint is of each of our South Australian dairy farmers, which required them to be audited by Pangolin & Associates.
STEP 2
Carbon Credits
After determining our carbon footprint, some of our farms were already carbon neutral in their own right, and we then purchased carbon credits to offset the carbon emissions of our remaining dairy farmers. Paris Creek Farms purchased carbon credits from both Australian regenerative projects as well as projects overseas.
STEP 3
Soil Testing on Dairy Farms
To strive to have all our dairy farmers carbon neutral in their own right, we have now started measuring the carbon in each of our farmer’s soil and in 12 months’ time, we will be able to assess the carbon impact of the regenerative farming practices that they use. These carbon credits, along with other projects such as tree planting, will help the farmers become carbon neutral in their own right.
STEP 4
Paris Creek Farms Facility Audit
As well as determining the impact of our South Australian dairy farms, we will also be assessing the carbon footprint of the Paris Creek Farms processing facility. Located just outside of Meadows in the lush Adelaide Hills, our artisanal facility where our team of experts lovingly craft our 100% organic dairy products will also be audited. This auditing process will determine our carbon footprint and what we can do to reduce our emissions.
STEP 5
Reducing Our Farmer’s Carbon Footprints
We will then work hand-in-hand with our bio-dynamic organic dairy farmers to continue to develop action plans to further reduce their emissions as well as put in place plans to reduce the emissions from our processing facility, with some of our power already coming from solar panels installed a few years ago.
STEP 6
Assessing Our Progress
We will continue to update everyone on our progress as we move further down our sustainability path, so make sure you check in with us from time to time!
Some are a little more esoteric.
But the proof is in the cheesy pudding.
Farmers who have switched to bio-dynamic farming admit it works. Sometimes they don’t quite know why, but you can’t argue with the healthy soil and animals and the scrumptious produce.
It seems Nature knows best. Go figure.
