Farmer embraces innovation amid challenges

The picture shows two individuals standing inside a barn or livestock facility. 
One person is wearing a black polo shirt and white pants, holding sunglasses.
The other is dressed in grey overalls with a black t-shirt underneath.
The barn has a metal roof with skylights that let in natural light.
Several cows are visible in the background, eating from feeding troughs.
Image caption,

Kellie Cornish and her partner Niall Tewson run South Devon Dairy

  • Published

A Devon dairy farmer has turned to innovation after a summer of dwindling rainfall and poor grazing conditions.

Niall Tewson of South Devon Dairy near Newton Abbot has had to house about 200 of his Jersey cows indoors due to the heat during the past few months.

"There's more brown than green out there," he said. "We've had rain every month since July, but it's just not enough."

The lack of grass has forced Mr Tewson to bring his herd inside and rely on supplementary feed to maintain milk production.

This picture shows a close-up of a cow's face inside a barn or stable.
Main subject: A cow with light brown fur and darker patches around its eyes and nose, looking directly at the camera.
Background: Metal bars, other cows, and a floor covered in hay and dirt.
Additional detail: Another cow is partially visible on the left side, wearing a yellow ear tag.
Image caption,

Cows have been brought inside because of the lack of grazing

Farmers further north are facing even harsher conditions, with some areas seeing no significant rainfall since February, he said.

"It's not just tough on the cows, it's tough on the farmers, the environment, and the business," he added.

South Devon Dairy has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years.

Originally a sheep and beef operation, the farm shifted to dairy in 2021 after Mr Tewson returned from a study tour in New Zealand.

"I caught the bug," he said.

"There's nothing better than waking up and milking cows."

This picture shows a small wooden building labeled "THE MILK SHED", which appears to be a self-service dairy vending facility. 
Two metal milk cans are placed at the entrance.
A vending machine area is visible, decorated with images of cows grazing in a field.
A small hanging flower pot is on the right side.
A security system sign is mounted above the entrance.
Image caption,

The Milk Shed is open all day every day

Much of the milk is supplied to a local dairy processor, and a portion goes to Langage Farm, a nearby ice cream producer.

In 2023, Mr Tewson installed a milk vending machine on the farm.

"We thought we'd sell 50 litres a day," he said. "It's blown up beyond anything we imagined."

The Milk Shed is open 24/7 and offers milk from the morning milking.

It has also grown into a mini farm shop with a coffee machine, an ice cream machine as well as local produce.

"It's a real family and neighbour-run business," Mr Tewson said. "Our potatoes come from up on the hill, our veg from just a mile and a half away, and our eggs and honey from the village."

He added: "People want to know where their food comes from.

"They want quality, and they want local."

Despite the long hours and industry pressures, he said he remained positive.

"Farming is tough, it's a 5am start and a 7pm finish, but I absolutely live for it," he said.

With his partner Kellie and their young daughter, he is committed to adapting and thriving.

"I believe there's a bright future for farming," he said. "But we have to be willing to change."

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