We have been fortunate enough to secure a small amount of funding to run a series of regional meetings for farmers interested in winning recognition for free range milk production, over the next few months.
Perhaps now more than ever before, there is an urgent need to find a way to install value in the way we farm and differentiate British milk. The downgrading of our milk from superfood status to global commodity in the marketplace now leaves farmers in a position where it seems the only option is to produce more and more output and learn to live with price volatility. But, becoming a global commodity player is an unattractive prospect for those who have limited resources and little or no confidence in the future. This is why Free Range dairy is working to deliver an alternative vision for British milk producers – one founded on value rather than volume.
To many, adding value means investing in processing equipment, marketing and delivering milk and dairy products. However, Free Range Dairy is working to build value in a clearly defined way of producing milk, based on seasonally grazing our cows. For too long, images of cows in fields have been used by those processing and selling milk and dairy products to add value. Now it is time to capture that value at the farm gate. We have growing interest amongst consumers about how their food is produced and the way we keep farm livestock – let’s make sure they really understand the value in our farming system.
If you graze your cows please make the time to come along to one of our regional farmer meetings listed below and find out more about how you can get involved and begin to win recognition and value for the way you farm. it doesn’t matter where you sell your milk today. Whilst we are looking to create new routes to market for milk, we also want to work within existing supply chains and create value for all. We are also forging links with academics and others to deliver soil and pasture workshops for members that will enable us to demonstrate responsibility in our farming practices and improve efficiency.
Confirmed meeting dates and venues:
- Tuesday 18th November, 11.00am – 2.00pm, Penrith Golf Club, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 8SG
- Tuesday 18th November, 7.30pm – 10.00pm, Garstang Country Hotel & Golf Club, Bowgreave, Preston, Lancashire, PR3 1YE
- Wednesday 19th November, 11.00am – 2.00pm, Promar International, Alpha Buildings, London Rd, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 7JW
- Monday 1st December, 7.30pm – 10.00pm, Nant-Y-Ffin Hotel & Motel, Llandissilio, Pembrokeshire, SA66 7SU
- Wednesday 14th January, 11.00am – 2.00pm, Duchy College – Rosewarne, Camborne, Cornwall TR14 0AB
- Wednesday 14th January, 7.30pm – 10.00pm, Holsworthy Golf Club, Killatree, Holsworthy, Devon EX22 6LP
- Thursday 15th January, 11.00am – 2.00pm, Quickes Traditional, Newton St. Cyres, Exeter, Devon EX5 5AY
Other dates will follow in late January for Dorset, Somerset and Gloucestershire. If you feel there is an important dairy region we have missed out, or you have any questions about the meetings email
There is a market out there for free range milk – what we need now is for farmers too join us and help us promote positive messages about milk from grazing herds. Together we can build a vision for a healthy dairy industry and secure a fair reward for our efforts.