Father and son Phil and Steve Hook farm Longleys Farm organically. They have been in partnership together at Longleys Farm Hailsham since 1991. Farming is in their blood, the Hook family have been farming in East Sussex for at least 250 years! We farm 180 acres just north of Hailsham, and on the very western edge of the Pevensey Levels Site of Special Scientific Interest (S.S.S.I.) The organic methods of farming that we use work in harmony with maintaining and enhancing this important and wonderful local ecology. Our farm is teeming with a wide variety of flora and fauna. A recent RSPB species survey found 45 different species of native birds, including eight species whose status is category red (declined by more than 50% over the last 25 years), and nine species that have declined by 25-49% over the same period (category amber). The farm is an all grass farm, most of which is permanent pasture on the land on the Pevensey Levels. On the upper western side of the farm, grass leys that are rich in red and white clover are grown. The cows graze all these fields once the ground is dry enough 'to turn them out' in the spring, until the ground becomes too wet in the autumn. The cows are then housed indoors for the winter. They are fed our homemade, organic grass silage in the winter that has been made from lush spring grass and clover. An organic mix of sunflower, linseed, pea, bean and molasses is also fed to the cows to supplement their grass diet. We have also diversified into growing cricket bat willow (salix alba) to help sustain our farming business.
Raw milk comes from cows, goats, sheep, camels, alpacas, or any other mammal. Raw milk has not been subjected to pasteurization, homogenization, high-pressure processing, UV radiation, or any other process meant to alter its composition. Only milked, filtered, cooled, bottled, and sold direct-to-consumer or to the cheese maker.
When you choose raw milk, you are supporting farmers directly - instead of corporate milk processors.
Some states welcome raw milk sales in grocery stores, usually found in the natural food section. Others require herdshare membership. Others can only sell under degraded labeling like 'pet food'. In Kentucky, raw goat milk sales require a doctor's note. Australian raw milk can only be sold as a cosmetic ie 'bath milk'.
Is raw milk safe?
Food safety is a science, milk is no different. Clean facilities, equipment, and procedures are highly recommended. If you are seeking more details on food safety related to raw milk, reach out to The Raw Milk Institute in California.
What is GetRawMilk.com?
GetRawMilk.com is an independent project built to connect consumers with farmers by making it easy to find raw milk.
On any farm or retailer's listing page, you'll find info like their...
Australian food authorities allow “cold-pressed raw milk” to sell in grocery stores, but some have noticed the mislabeling and are pointing out it’s anything but raw.
Some places have retail sales, others require herd shares. In Australia, raw milk must be sold as “bath milk” for cosmetic use. Check out your options.