Various cheeses will be produced from the farmer's Jersey herd

Darren Quenault from Manor Farm in St Peter has sold more than 50% of his herd and plans to make his own cheeses.

Mr Quenault says with the current state of the industry, he was faced with some serious choices.

Having made the decision to diversify, he has sold his cows and submitted plans to the island's authorities for a farm shop and tea room.

'Sensible option'

Mr Quenault said: "With the state of the industry, I haven't been happy for a while and decided enough was enough.

"The sensible option was probably to get out, but I've decided to put my destiny in my own hands.

The farmer says he wants to create the right ambience for visitors.

"People can come to the farm, see the cows in the field and get an idea of how the farm operates and the herd is looked after."

Only nine of the cattle sold this week are leaving Jersey, with the remainder staying in the island.