Farmer embraces innovation amid challenges

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.

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."

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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