Milky Way Farm

Starr,SC

Milky Way Farm is a 105-cow Registered Jersey farm managed by L.D. Peeler (third generation), Davis Peeler (fourth generation) and Iris Peeler Barham (fourth generation). Cows are milked by two DeLaval 300 robotic units, which were installed in 2021. Milky Way bottles 100 percent of the farm’s all A2 milk for customers and retailers across South Carolina. We talked with L.D. and Iris to learn more about the farm and creamery!

Q&A WITH THE MILKY WAY FARM TEAM

What makes your products special?

Our raw products include whole milk, buttermilk, and cream. Our low-temp pasteurized and non-homogenized products include whole milk, chocolate milk, and seasonal flavored milk. We genomically test all our calves through the partnership with Premier and Zoetis for two reasons: to ensure they are A2 for milk branding and to provide vital genetic data to assist with genetic decisions in our mating program. We do everything we can to create a high quality end product. We don’t “steal” cream from our milk because we want to maximize flavor and texture. For our chocolate and seasonal flavored milks, we carefully select flavors and determine the best way to mix ingredients into the milk for the best end products. Davis is the “chef,” and our kids help us as taste testers…kids always tell you the truth, especially if they don’t like something! Some of our flavors include Tiger Fuel (orange cream), Holly’s Kiss (cookies and cream), Cinnamoo (like milk after eating a bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch), Pucket’s Brew (mocha), Riley’s Root Beer Float, and Strawberry.

How do genetics impact your herd?

It’s no secret that we have a little “insider loop” with Brad, and he handles matings and bull selections [Iris’s husband, Brad Barham, is Premier’s Southern Region Sales Manager]. Genetically, we focus on moderating traits for the robot system, and the RobotPRO® designation is helpful for that. We strive for high-producing, healthy, A2 animals. As a management practice, we genotype all of our calves before they are weaned, and that helps us monitor progress. When it comes to selecting “lower end” cows to breed to beef, we have tough decisions to make because we are so pleased with where our herd is today. We have strict breeding criteria and the Select Sires Jersey program offers us a great selection of bulls.

What are your plans moving forward?

At this point we’re not interested in growing in terms of land or number of cattle, so we will need to be creative. We’re considering agritourism in the future, but for right now we have a lot in the works for the next few years with construction in our facilities. We’re excited to implement changes in our barn while continuing to market our milk! In addition to our milk marketing, we have developed a direct to consumer beef market. We grow and finish Jersey x Red Angus calves and sell them directly to our milk customers as halves and wholes. This sector of our business continues to grow with repeat customers. We also enjoy employing and mentoring local young adults, and we plan to continue that program as well.

How does Premier help you reach your goals?

Premier offers complete service with not only the genetics we need, but also liquid nitrogen, products, and more. Our local rep, Henry Mitchell, is just an awesome guy. He communicates very well, asks us in advance what we need, and we send him that list. He helps us get the products we need, whether it is A.I. supplies or herd management products. We regularly use the Tri-Start Jr.+ paste, and we are trialing AccelAIRate. We just appreciate all the communication and effort that Premier Select Sires does to make sure that we are successful in our unique niche market here in South Carolina.

At Milky Way, I work very closely with Brad and Iris on both the Jersey genetics and calf products. I also had the opportunity to help Milky Way grow their beef business. For cows they do not want replacements from, I enjoy finding beef bulls that will help expand their profitability through beef on dairy. Milky Way has become like family to not only me, but to my wife as well, and Milky Way sells milk at the farm store that my wife manages. -

Henry Mitchell, Area Sales Manager for Milky Way