We have over 120 Holstein-Fresian cows on the Farm. Our girls are milked twice a day and produce delicious, fresh, high quality milk.
Are our cows free range? There is no official definition for free range in dairy. With our heavy clay soil all year grazing is not an option. This would ruin the next years grass if cows were on the land when the grass stops growing during the winter.
The cows are on the grass as long as possible, depending on the weather. They will go out usually in March/April and come in for the winter in October. This gives about 6 months of 24 hour grazing access. The cows are in a covered barn bedded on straw during the winter. They also have access to a concrete feed strip for food water, extra exercise. They love their rubbing posts which are used for a good scratch anytime they like. In the winter time the cows eat as much grass, barley and maize silage as we can grow so they have a diet of our home grown crop.
As we hand rear them, we get to know them well. Their health and well being is very important to us. They have individual personalities and are often very curious. They have their own quirks such as the side of parlour they prefer. Also being at the front or back and their hierarchy in the herd.