Family-Owned Dairy Farm in Indiana is Bringing Back the ‘Milkman’
Home milk deliveries are making a comeback, and one dairy farm in Indiana is helping lead the charge.
I spent a lot of time at my grandparents' house as a young child, and I would often hear stories about what life was like for them growing up in the 1950s. They once mentioned the "milkman," which is something that required some explaining. Growing up in the early 2000s, I had only a vague idea of what a milkman was. As far as I knew, milk came from Walmart in a round plastic jug. However, my grandparents explained to me that before home refrigerators were common, milk was delivered daily due to its perishability.
It's been decades since the milkman drove around neighborhoods, placing fresh glass bottles of milk at the front doors of American homes. The trend began to decline in the late 1950s and into the 1960s, when more homes and markets became equipped with refrigerators to store food products. Additionally, pasteurization became common around this time, which helped keep milk fresh much longer. According to Food52, only about 30% of milk was still delivered to homes in the 1960s. By the 1990s, milkmen had disappeared. However, they might now be making a comeback in 2024.
For over 125 years, Kuehnert Dairy Farm has been producing dairy products in Allen County, Indiana, but in 2024, they decided to do something new. The family-owned business launched the "Kuehnert Milk House," which directly sells their farm-to-table products like milk, butter, ice cream, and cheese curds to customers. According to 21 Alive, the family of dairy farmers is taking their classic approach one step further by delivering products to homes around Fort Wayne. Milk House Manager Andrew Kuehnert told the news outlet they hope to have trucks up and running within the next three months and noted it will be a great way to connect with the community.
There are a couple of reasons why milk delivery might be on the rise. In addition to reducing the use of plastic, it also offers convenience in an age where everything is delivered. On the other hand, returning to the "old ways" seems to be nothing new post-pandemic. Whether it's for nostalgia purposes or a way to become self-sufficient, I've noticed more people are raising livestock, growing their own food, and even taking on more home projects. My wife and I certainly fall into that group, and if farm-fresh milk delivery is ever offered in our area, we will probably be the first to sign up.
11 Most Popular Dairy Queen Blizzard Flavors
Gallery Credit: Billy Jenkins
Simple Smoothie Recipe Tastes Exactly Like a Strawberry Milkshake
Gallery Credit: Bobby G.
How To Make Boozy Cake Batter Milkshakes
Gallery Credit: Travis Sams