|
Our ApproachThe Calf at Foot Dairy Method – our Gold-Top Standard – is built on a simple principle: cows and calves come first. Unlike conventional dairies, our cows raise their calves and share their milk naturally. We take only what the calf does not need, allowing both cow and calf to live and behave as nature intended. Our approach is rooted in compassion, transparency and trust. We believe dairy farming should be open and honest, with nothing hidden from the people who buy our milk. Every herd and every cow is different, so our system is flexible and responsive to the animals and the seasons. By working with nature rather than against it, we aim to create a model of dairy farming that prioritises animal welfare, healthy soils and sustainable food production. |
A Different Model for Dairy
The Calf at Foot Dairy® was founded with a simple aim: to create a more compassionate model for dairy farming. Since then, the approach has inspired other farms in the UK and beyond to adopt calf-at-foot practices and rethink how dairy can be produced with greater respect for animals. Only a small number, however, meet the high welfare and stockwifery standards required to use the protected name Calf at Foot Dairy®. These are Blundeston House Farm in Suffolk, and the Rare Dairy in Shropshire.
These standards form the Calf at Foot Dairy Method, a pioneering model for small-scale dairying that combines compassionate animal care with regenerative farming practices and direct-to-consumer food production.
We believe milk should be produced responsibly, with cows raised on pasture and farmed in ways that support healthy soils, thriving ecosystems and sustainable nutritional food growing systems.
As we often say: “It’s not the cow — it’s the how.”
Education & Mentoring
Fiona is passionate about sharing her knowledge with farmers, smallholders and new entrants to agriculture. Through talks, farm visits and consultancy, she supports others who want to develop micro-dairies using the Calf at Foot Dairy® approach.
A micro-dairy is defined as a dairy farm that sells its produce directly to the end consumer, ensuring transparency, fair returns for farmers and a closer connection between producer and customer.
For more information about education and our mentoring packages, please contact: [email protected]
