Cows graze on grass, turning it into rich, creamy milk. It’s collected, cooled, pasteurised, bottled and sent off to stores – ready for you to pour and enjoy!

1. It starts with grass

Dairy cows graze on fresh, nutrient-rich pasture. Grass is often their primary food source, especially in pasture-based systems.. Alongside fresh grass, they may also get grain during milking and hay or silage when pasture is in short supply

2. The cow converts grass into milk

Cows are amazing natural processors. Their complex digestive system, especially the rumen, breaks down grass and turns it into energy, nutrients, and — ultimately — milk. A healthy diet leads to healthy cows and high-quality milk.

3. Milking on the farm

Cows are milked daily — usually twice a day — using hygienic, modern equipment that ensures milk is collected safely and efficiently. From the cow, the milk is cooled immediately to keep it fresh.

4. Transport to the dairy processor

Milk is collected in refrigerated tankers and transported to a processing facility. It’s kept cold throughout the journey to maintain quality and food safety.

5. Pasteurisation and processing

At the dairy factory, the milk is tested for quality and safety, pasteurised (heated briefly to kill harmful bacteria), separated and standardised if needed (e.g. for skim or full cream varieties), and sometimes fortified with extra nutrients like calcium or protein,

6. Bottling and packaging

Once processed, milk is bottled in clean, sealed containers — from glass bottles to plastic jugs or cartons — and labelled for sale.

7. Distribution to stores

Milk is distributed quickly to supermarkets, cafes, schools, and homes. Thanks to an efficient cold chain, it stays fresh right up to when it’s poured into a glass.

8. From glass to you

And just like that — a glass of milk on your table. A nutritious, naturally-produced food that started with grass and made its way, thanks to farmers, cows, and a lot of care.

For further information check out Dairy Production in our student resources section.