Walford's herd will be serving up the white stuff

The preparations for installing the vending machine are already under way, and obtaining approval from Shropshire Council to sell pasteurised milk from the Walford dairy herd is the next major step.

People will be able to bring their own vessels to collect milk, or we will have a glass bottle available to buy that people can re-use. You will be able to select the amount of milk you require and only pay for that amount of milk.

The milk is direct from the Walford herd.

Diane Roberts, a member of the environmental health department at Shropshire Council, recently visited the students to talk them through the application process, alongside the requirements which are needed to obtain approval to sell milk from the council.

Diane commented: “It is a testament to the commitment of students at NSC in their exploration of farm diversification projects that they are willing to engage with the council in fulfilling the criteria of the approval process.

"We are equally delighted to be working with a group of young people with their sights set firmly on the future progression of the industry and are happy to support them to ensure legal compliance and secure public health.”

Sarah Ford, agricultural lecturer at NSC, has assisted the students with the application process and added: “I think the vending machine is a fantastic opportunity for the agriculture students and potential customers to see a project through from planning to fruition.

"It has been great for the students and their business skills development, and there has already been some great discussion and ideas on how we can maximise sales. Exciting times are ahead of us as a department. ”

For more information about agricultural courses at NSC, or to apply now for September 2018, please visit our website at www.nsc.ac.uk or call our admissions team on 01691 688080.

Richard Aldis is Walford Farm Manager.