How Lorna found her future in dairy farming

Lorna Burdge runs two neighbouring dairy farms

Lorna Burdge is redefining what it means to be a modern dairy farmer.

From a non-farming background in north Somerset to running two dairy farms with her husband Jim near Honiton in east Devon, hers is a journey with a difference.

"I've always been intrigued by farming, especially dairy," she said.

That fascination led her to Newcastle University, where she studied agriculture despite having no family ties to farming.

During a Christmas break, she asked a neighbouring dairy farmer if she could learn to milk cows.

"Fortunately for me, he said yes," she said.

That hands-on experience became the foundation of her career, teaching her everything from milking and calf rearing to tractor driving.

After university, Mrs Burdge explored various roles, from working with a concrete engineering firm to time in the meat industry, before she and her husband decided to start their own farming business.

The farm milks a whole mix of breeds

They moved to east Devon eight years ago and now manage two neighbouring dairy farms.

Their herds of a total of 330 cows are anything but ordinary.

"Not just the typical black-and-white Holsteins or Friesians," she said.

"We've got Jerseys, Montbeliardes, Ayrshires, and Shorthorns, a whole mix of breeds."

Most of their milk goes to a creamery in Cornwall, but they also sell directly to the public through a self-service vending machine on the farm.

"Customers constantly tell us how creamy our milk is compared to what they buy in shops," she said.

"It's lovely when we get to chat with customers.

"We hear why they've stopped by, where they've come from, and what they want to know about the farm.

"It's a great way to break down barriers and share what farming is really like."

But life on the farm is not without its challenges.

'Incredibly stressful'

Like many in the South West, Lorna's farm is under TB restrictions, requiring 60-day testing cycles, which restricts cattle movements but dos not affect dairy production.

"It's incredibly stressful," she said.

"I lose sleep before every test. It affects us personally, not just the business."

Despite the pressures, she balances farm life with raising three children, aged 10 to 13.

"It's getting easier as they get older," she said.

"They help out with milking, moving cattle, setting up fences, lots of little jobs. It's all about being organised."