Charity helps Jersey farm rebuild lost herd

More than 100 cows died suddenly at Woodlands Farm

The owner of a farm devastated by the loss of more than 100 Jersey cows has expressed his "massive gratitude" for financial aid to rebuild his herd.

An investigation into the deaths of 100 cows on Woodlands Farm in December 2022 found they were likely caused by botulism.

Jersey Dairy said the farming community rallied to help in the aftermath.

Among supporters was the Howard Davis Farm Trust, which funded the purchase of 59 Jersey cows.

Woodlands owner Charlie Le Boutillier said: "I am massively grateful for the assistance the trust provided.

"The speed at which they came through was amazing and really provided a huge boost at a time when things were very tough.

"Just having the extra young stock around the farm provided all of us at Woodlands with the belief that things were going to improve".

The deaths in 2022 were found to be an 'isolated incident'

The Howard Davis Farm Trust was launched in 2009 and supports the "development and study of agriculture for young people in Jersey", including financial assistance for training and research, Jersey Dairy said.

The dairy said it had been contacted by the trust at the time of the deaths, when it agreed to part-finance replacement cattle through the purchase of cows and heifers from other local dairy farmers.

The trust's contribution resulted in 59 cows being added to the Woodlands Farm herd, the dairy said.

The Howard Davis Farm Trust said it hoped the award would "help the Woodlands herd to be rebuilt and, also be an important step in protecting and preserving the Jersey dairy industry".

"The trustees wish Charlie Le Boutillier and his family, Jersey Dairy, and the Jersey Milk Marketing Board, a successful outcome in re-establishing Woodlands with an important highly productive herd for the future," it added.

Jersey Dairy expressed its "extreme gratitude" to the trust and other local dairy farmers who have helped rebuild the herd.

It said: "Jersey Dairy farmers continue to dedicate themselves to our Jersey cow in her island home, protecting the local environment and producing quality Jersey milk which is enjoyed around the world."

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