What a fantastic way to kick off the Women in Dairy Regional Spring meetings!
On Wednesday, 26th March, we had the pleasure of visiting Park House Farm in Cumbria, hosted by Jenny Lee (finalist for Dairy Industry Woman of the Year) and her family. Home to Torpenhow Cheese Company and Three Hills Gelato, the visit provided fascinating insights into their regenerative farming practices and commitment to producing premium organic cheese and gelato, (absolutely delicious!)
In 2017, the farm transitioned from a herd of 400 Holstein Friesians to a mixed Jersey-Friesian-Norwegian Red herd of 180 cows. This shift improved milk quality by increasing butterfat content, essential for crafting superior cheese and rich, creamy gelato.
Cows at Park House Farm graze outdoors for over 300 days a year, consuming only home-grown forage. A malfunction within a herbicide application in 2017 led to a 'lightbulb moment' when Jenny and Mark observed the cows actively seeking to graze untreated, diverse pastures. This pivotal discovery led the farm to stop using chemical inputs and achieve full organic certification by 2020.
The farm employs a 'mob grazing' system, rotating cows through paddocks every 28 days. This approach not only enhances soil health and biodiversity but also allows free-range chickens to follow the cows, further enriching the land. Deep-rooted plants alongside grass improve soil structure, prevent erosion, and support a thriving ecosystem.
Park House Farm is proudly Pasture For Life-certified. It is believed that provision of a natural diet, enhances milk flavour and nutritional value with higher Omega-3s, vitamins, and minerals, enhancing the flavour and nutritional quality of their cheese and gelato.
Join Us at Future Events!
Inspired by this visit?
Don’t miss out on our upcoming Women in Dairy Regional meetings taking place over the next few weeks. These events offer a unique opportunity to connect with fellow dairy professionals, and learn from their experiences (good and bad!). We look forward to seeing you ….
South: Wed 2nd April, 10AM - 2PM, Waterhayne Farm, Yarcombe Honiton, Devon
Hosted by first generation and Dairy Industry Women of the Year Award finalist, Lorna Burdge.
Lorna has a passion to educate people on where their food comes from whilst showcasing the work that goes into food production. As part of her pledge to educate others, Lorna is involved in the NFU Schools Programme and Farmer Time which sees her holding farm visits and calls with children. With the view that women in particular undervalue themselves, Lorna wants to champion the fact that everyone has something to give, and help others recognise this through the many things she does.
Becca Cavill from Women in Dairy’s National Sponsor Boehringer Ingelheim also joins us to discuss how Optimax can help motivate change within the business.
West: Wed 9th April, 10AM - 2PM, Gwarllwyn, Rhydlewis, Llandysul, Ceredigion
With new entrant and farm business consultant, Anna Bowen from West Wales who is also the holder of the Dairy Industry Women of the Year Award.
Anna grew up on a dairy farm, but with her brother in partnership with her father, it was never a career option. After meeting her now husband, who was in a contract farming agreement (CFA), she started to work on the farm and she now owns a third of the limited company. As well as delivering on the CFA, Anna works as a consultant, specialising in dairy and nutrient management planning. She is part of NFU Farmers for Schools and Farmer Time and was also a Nuffield Scholar in 2020. In early 2025, Anna joined the AHDB Dairy Sector Board. Using her past and current experiences Anna aims to help other women, despite the obstacles they may face, carve their way into the industry, by being visible in situations that often women aren’t.
Here we are also joined by Dr Neil Paton, who will discuss the BVD (Wales) Order 2024 and how this may lead to change of farm protocol.