At Kidfield Farm in Hoylandswaine, the past and future of British dairy farming sit side by side. For nearly 80 years, the Hill family has worked the land and milked the cows on this corner of the Cannon Hall Estate. But in recent years, thanks to the bold vision of third-generation farmer James Hill, the farm has undergone a quiet revolution—complete with robot milkers, vending machines, and queues of milkshake-loving fans.

In October 2022, the Hills installed their first milk vending machine—right where the old sheep dip used to be. Selling farm-fresh milk and flavoured milkshakes in reusable glass bottles, it became an instant hit. Viral on social media, the farm car park was suddenly flooded with curious customers, eager for a taste of strawberry, chocolate, or the now-famous white chocolate bueno milkshake.

Now, Milk from the Hills has expanded to seven vending locations across the region—including Barnsley Market, Cannon Hall Farm, and even a local gym. A third of the farm’s milk goes straight into these machines, with the rest supplying Longley Farm to make cream, butter, and yoghurts. The family pasteurises the milk in small batches, using a slow, gentle process that retains its natural creaminess and richness.