The Farmers Mart Aug/Sep 2016 - Issue 47 | Page 72

Barkhouse Dairy Farm Wind Turbine was installed which has produced huge cost savings as they are major consumers of electricity – as you would expect. Clearly, there is no way Gordon can run this very well drilled and developing dairy business on his own. His son, Michael now pretty much runs the farm with assistance from Gordon. Daughter Janet whom I met, is responsible for the office, finances and a staff of 46 – five full-timers with the rest part time. Janet joined the business fancying a change after having a career as a civil servant. When Michael had a milk round she did run it whilst he was on holiday so she already had an insight into the dairy business. The civil service stood her in good stead as there are a mountain of forms and paperwork in running a modern dairy operation. Talking to Carrs Billington are pleased to supply dairy feed to Bark House Farm Innovation Service Advice Whatever your breed or feeding system, we can help For further details contact Customer Services 01228 518860 carrs-billington.com Janet she comes across as very organised and in control and really passionate about the business. She and Michael form a great team he on the farm and Janet looks after the offices and the tea rooms. However, Gordon is never far away working and keeping an eye on things. She has also had time to bring up two children and organise time for family holidays with her husband who is a lecturer in engineering. No mean feat to get time away from a busy farming business. To what does she attribute their success? “Dad and Mum worked very hard to build up a solid business and always taught Michael and I very strong work ethics and values. Michael and Dad know the farm and animals inside out. I take great pride in being organised and focussing on happy, motivated staff who want to work here and who enjoy their jobs.” Certainly during my visit, the staff were a buzzing, happy bunch which must come across to the customers. Janet is also very committed to serve only the best food etc in the restaurant and keep the customers happy. I asked her about any significant challenges a: “Managing milk prices. We have a small amount of cushioning but not much and as costs rise we can’t pass them on to the milkmen as they have to compete with supermarkets. So we are always looking to keep costs down, sales up etc which is a constant challenge and juggling exercise. This is frustrating as it holds us back from investing.” And so to the future? “To keep afloat and hope times get better as we do want to invest in a new milking parlour,” she added. With this team running things so well, I have no doubt that will happen in the not too distant future. Sovereign Agricultural Services Ltd Pleased to be supplying Valtra Tractors to the Dearnley Family at Barkhouse Farm Woolrow Lane, Shelley, Huddersfield, HD8 8LW 01484 603682 Main Dealer for West & South Yorkshire [email protected] 72 Aug/Sep 2016 www.farmers-mart.co.uk