A New Perspective from a New Zealand Farm

Although Mr. Uno now leads the farm with passion, he initially had little intention of taking over the family business, having grown up watching his parents work tirelessly as dairy farmers. However, his perspective changed dramatically after he enrolled at Rakuno Gakuen University and learned about dairy farming in New Zealand.

New Zealand's economy is heavily supported by livestock exports, so there's a strong incentive to keep cattle-rearing costs as low as possible. Unlike the Japanese style, which often involves raising cows in barns with various equipment, the standard in New Zealand is "grazing." Cows are raised outdoors day and night, feeding on the grass that grows in the pastures, which naturally fosters healthy cattle.

A Desire to Radically Change the Image of Dairy Farming

Mr. Uno was astonished when he experienced this style of farming firsthand. Compared to Japanese cows, which are fed a mix of grains and other feeds to increase milk yield, the milk from grass-fed cows was of clearly superior quality.

"It wasn't just about the quality. I realized that by introducing grazing, we could eliminate the need for long hours of care and create more free time. Dairy farming has a reputation for being '3D' work—Dirty, Demanding, and Dangerous—and is associated with early mornings and no days off. I was convinced I could overturn that negative image."

And so, after graduating from university in 2005, Mr. Uno decided to take over the family business. He gradually began incorporating the methods he had learned in New Zealand into Uno Farm.

Healthy Cows Come from a Healthy Diet

To produce good milk, it's essential to pay close attention to the cows' diet. At Uno Farm, the cows are not given any grains. Except during the winter, they feed exclusively on fresh, nutrient-rich young grass shoots.

"My father's illness was another catalyst for switching to a 100% grass-fed system. When your body is weak, it's important to eat nutritious food. It made me think that good milk must also be good for your health."

Milk from cows that get their nutrition solely from grass is rich in beneficial fatty acids like Omega-3, as well as vitamins. Mr. Uno plants five types of grasses to ensure a balanced diet for his cows and cultivates them using the power of the soil, without chemical fertilizers. The pasture is divided into sections that the cows can graze in half a day, and they are moved to a new section every half-day, ensuring they always have access to fresh young grass.

The Meticulously Crafted "Finest Milk" and its "Organic Drinking Yogurt"

The milk produced through this method was commercialized in 2020 under the product name, "We've Finally Achieved the Finest Milk in the History of Uno Farm." It has obtained three Organic JAS certifications: for organic feed, organic livestock products, and organic processed foods.

With its smooth, refreshing taste and soft, sweet aroma, it is gaining fans of all ages every day.

This prized milk is also processed into various products, with the "Organic Drinking Yogurt" being another popular item.

According to national standards, 1 ml of yogurt must contain over 10 million lactic acid bacteria. However, as a result of their meticulous care in raising the cows, soil, and grass, Uno Farm's yogurt has been found to contain an incredible 520 million lactic acid bacteria.

"Torokette Uno," a Popular Treat with Five Flavors

Another popular product is "Torokette Uno," a dessert developed based on the "milk tofu" that was once commonly made among dairy farmers.

Milk tofu holds nostalgic value for Mr. Uno, as it was a treat he often ate as a child. Traditionally, it was made by coagulating the protein with vinegar, but this method inevitably left a distinct sour taste. To solve this, he uses *nigari* (a coagulant used for tofu) instead, preserving the delicious taste of fresh-squeezed milk.

With its subtle sweetness and smooth texture, it offers a completely new way to enjoy milk. It comes in a lineup of five flavors and makes for a great gift.

An Unending Challenge and a Love for the Local Community

Mr. Uno's journey is far from over. He is currently working with artisans to create a trial cheese using his prized milk. He also hopes that by producing high-quality milk and dairy products, he can help spread the charm of Teshio Town itself.

"The increasing number of farmers leaving the business affects the very survival of Teshio. It may sound dramatic, but by spreading the appeal of dairy farming, I want to revitalize and protect our town."

With this determination in his heart, he continues to pour his soul into raising his cows. Mr. Uno's passion as a dairy farmer continues to burn brightly.