ACORN Dairy received the thumbs up from down under last week.

A group of dairy farmers from Albany, Western Australia, visiting the UK to look at organic production methods, enjoyed a two-our tour of the farm, organised by the NFU.

They particularly focused on the use of crop rotation to help combat weeds, plant disease and pests and how the 170-strong herd of Holstein-Friesians-Shorthorns were reared on a diet of red and white clover, different grass species, herbs, wheat, oats, peas and beans.

They also toured the plant where the dairy processes the milk directly from the cows before selling it to more than 2,500 customers through its well-established doorstep delivery business.

Tour organiser, Travis King of Australia's Farm Weekly, said that, although Holstein-Fresians were a regular feature of the Australian landscape, Acorn could not be more different from dairy farms at home.

"For a start, the cows live outside all year round and eat nothing but grass. We also have very few farmers that get involved in processing and selling their own milk," he said.

Gordon Tweddle, owner of Acorn Dairy, ended the visit with a tasting session for the visitors. Taste was the whole point of the business he said.

"Our aim is to produce milk that is packed full of flavour and our success in this regard has been the driving force of the business. It was good to see fellow dairy farmers enjoying the difference," he said.

As well as selling milk and cream, other organic products are available through the company's milk round. They include locally-procured bread, eggs, yoghurt and mineral water. The company is now looking for a source of organic poultry products.