How important are those traditional methods and how important is innovation to Bannister Downs Farm and dairy?
Daubney: Traditional farming methods are very important to us, as they represent who we are and how we go about things. We keep a very simple system, with minimal impact on our environment and have done since Group Settlement days. Around 800 acres of the farm remains uncleared, with clusters of trees providing great shelter for our herd as well as ensuring a balanced ecosystem is maintained. We run a low stocking rate and use natural fertilisers where possible, such as lime and dolomite. Stock management isn’t based on high volume output, but rather a grass-fed system with minimal external feed inputs – crushed lupins from co-farmer, and small mineral supplement to assist lactation management – and our own hay is supplemented at night time. By accepting a lower milk output per cow, we achieve a higher quality milk, as components (calcium, butter fat, protein etc) are higher because the cows are not at thresholds of high stress due to large daily production. This also removes our need
