Jonny Slack, a 36-year-old dairy farmer at Dolphenby Farm in Cumbria, expresses his fondness for mornings. His day typically starts at five in the morning, beginning with milking the 500 cows under his care and ensuring they are well-fed and content until around 8 am, followed by breakfast.
Dolphenby Farm is a key supplier of milk for Nestlé’s Nescafé frothy coffee range, produced just 20 miles away at the Dalston factory. Jonny emphasizes that the key to producing high-quality milk lies in having top-notch grass and soil for the cows to graze on throughout the year.
Working alongside his co-manager, Robert Craig, the success of Dolphenby Farm is attributed to their longstanding partnership with Nestlé and First Milk, a farmer-owned dairy cooperative. Robert highlights the unique and well-funded partnership between First Milk and Nestlé, aiding them in transitioning towards regenerative practices.
In recent years, Dolphenby Farm has placed a significant focus on soil health and biodiversity, reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers. Jonny stresses the importance of regenerative farming, emphasizing the interconnectedness of farming with nature, soil care, cow well-being, and community welfare.
Despite not coming from a farming background, Jonny has forged his path in the industry, starting as a cowman at 16 and eventually becoming a stakeholder at Dolphenby. He now resides on the farm with his wife, Lucy, and their three-year-old daughter, Neave, who enjoys the farm life with her pet sheep, feeding calves, and playing in mud puddles.
While Lucy has a full-time job off the farm, Jonny acknowledges her invaluable support and contribution to their family business. He emphasizes that farming is a round-the-clock endeavor that requires the commitment and involvement of every family member.
Next time you savor your morning Nescafé Latte, remember that the milk in it originates from UK farms like Dolphenby, where cows graze on nutrient-rich soil, ensuring the quality and sustainability of your dairy products.