Our Cows
None of this would be possible without our legendairy herd of cows, so it is only right that they have their own page.
Holsteins
Holsteins are famous for their distinctive 'traditional' black and white markings and high milk production. Our Holsteins are identified with a freeze brand as well as a unique number - Number 30 is our oldest Holstein, she is 12 years old and has had 10 calves! This means we will be making our ice cream with milk from her and her descendants for many generations to come.
Jerseys
Jersey cows are small and brown and originate from the Channel Islands. They are famous for their friendly nature and high quality, creamy milk. Our Jerseys are all pedigree and registered under the Buckridge prefix. At birth they are given a name as well as a unique number. Clematis, in the photo, was the first Jersey to join our herd - her milk will be in your ice cream!
Parlour
Our cows are milked through a 20/20 herringbone parlour, at 5am and 4pm every day, 365 days a year, including Christmas Day! Each cow is fitted with an id collar which is read on entering the parlour and determines the amount of feed they receive while being milked. These collars also monitor rumination behaviour which can give early indications of health problems and detect signs of heat.
Grazing
We aim for our cows graze on the lush grass of the Blackmore Vale for at least 6 months of the year - weather dependent. In the winter our low laying fields flood so the cows stay in the barn which is kitted out with memory foam mattresses, Himalayan rock salt troughs, automatic cow brushes, automatic scrapers and an automatic silage pusher - all to keep the ladies happy and healthy.
Production
We currently have 140 cows in our milking herd. Every year our cows produce 1.5 million litres of milk. Most of this milk is collected by Barber's and taken to Somerset to be made into their famous West Country Cheddar.
Next generation
Our calves are fed using an automatic feeding system, which mimics their natural feeding pattern and gives them access to warm milk 24/7. In the calf shed they have licks, brushes and hanging straw feeder balls to keep them entertained and plenty of room for zoomies with their friends!