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THEY MOVED TO MANOR Farm in 1990 from Thurlstone, which is where the name came from. John is the fourth generation in the family which has always been in dairy farming. At one time, they even had a milk round in Penistone.

John fondly remembers starting with just 21 cows led by the neck – how things have changed!

Son Tom, after his‘ A’ levels studied at Writtle College in Essex gaining a BSc Hons in Agriculture. Tom wisely felt

he needed to learn as much about new techniques for modern farming as possible in order to ensure he could carry on and develop the business’ s success for the future. Tom now has a pivotal role in the business and believes education is a vital to a successful farming business.

I asked John what the biggest change was he had seen across the years.

“ Today’ s farm needs to be run on a much stronger business footing to survive and make money and also to

satisfy both new methods and the bank!” he smiled.

This is undoubtedly a clever and accomplished family. Tom’ s sister, Anna also a BSc Hons in Agriculture and Farm Business at Newcastle University and now works for Semex UK.

Originally, the family used to milk Holsteins selling their milk initially to The Milk Group which was a small efficient co-op. When Dairy Farmers of Britain merged with The Milk Group John was unhappy with their business structure

and switched to ARLA but understandably, was really on the lookout for a stronger outlet and price for his milk and to secure a stronger future.

THE SWITCH TO JERSEYS

In 2006 the decision was made to change breeds from Holsteins to Jerseys, primarily to produce higher value milk. Following a series of discussions over a period of time John secured a contract with Longley Farm which was good for a number of reasons. They are