Wiltshire’s pioneering farmers to share tips on milk production

A family of dairy farmers at the forefront of new farming methods believes it is vital to help people understand the benefits to reducing climate change.

Robert and Lucy Noad are the fourth generation to work Woodhouse Farm in Semington, Wiltshire and are passionate about the regenerative methods they use to produce their milk.

“We’re certainly making a noise about it, you need people to stick their necks over the parapet and say, ‘OK, I’ll try,'” Ms Noad said.

The farm is hosting a family fun day on July 13 to encourage people to visit the farm, meet the cows and buy milk from a new automated dispensing station.

Regenerative agriculture is a holistic approach to agriculture with a strong focus on improving soil health and biodiversity.

The goal is to minimize the disruption of natural, ecological processes.

“We have over 15 varieties of grasses, legumes and things like clover and different native grasses in the paddocks,” Ms Noad said.

“Cattle only graze each field for one day, so they go in and out very quickly and can’t selectively graze the species they like.

“So we have a very diverse plant species.”

Noads are part of First Milk, a dairy co-operative owned by British farmers.

Last year, the family admitted they felt “exhausted” and overwhelmed by the industry’s expectations to be “bigger and more productive all the time”.

As part of the cooperative, they are now paid not only for the number of liters of milk they produce, but also for the other things the farm does, making their business not only financially viable, but also ethical.

“First Milk is way ahead of anyone else buying milk in this country; how they have structured our milk contract and the amount of support they provide in the journey we are on,” Ms Noad said.

Ms Noad said only a “handful” of farmers in the South West practice these methods, but at a recent regenerative farming festival there was considerable interest from other farmers wanting to learn about it.

The free family fun day on 13 July is a chance for people to visit Woodhouse Farm, meet the cows and learn more about farming methods.

The Noads also hope in the future to open the farm regularly to visitors and school children.

“I can’t expect people to support us if they don’t understand what we’re doing,” Ms Noad added.