Founded in 1897 with an initial 40 acres and 35 cows, Walker Gordon Dairy Farms swiftly distinguished itself through its dedication to quality and sustainability. The farm expanded significantly over the years, growing to 2,500 acres and 1,650 cows, while maintaining its rigorous standards.
A cornerstone of Walker Gordon Dairy’s approach was the implementation of the Rotary Combine Milking System, a pioneering advancement made possible through the research conducted by Mr. Henry W. Jeffers and the technological expertise of The De Laval Separator Company. This system’s effectiveness was further enhanced by utilizing Pyrex glass containers for milk storage and stainless steel piping for transportation to the bottling facility, ensuring the milk’s integrity.
An illustration of the Rotary Combine Milking System
Consumer health was a paramount concern for the founders, who included esteemed pediatricians and philanthropists. To address this, they introduced several innovative practices: producing acidophilus milk to support gastrointestinal health, optimizing crop harvesting to maintain feed quality irrespective of weather conditions, repurposing byproducts as garden fertilizer, incorporating irradiated yeast to increase vitamin D content, and implementing rigorous hygiene protocols by washing cows prior to milking.
A pamphlet highlighting one of Walker Gordon’s core principles
These advancements collectively elevated milk quality and nutritional value, aiding in the prevention of conditions such as childhood rickets and digestive issues.
The Pyrex glass containers employed for milk storage
