Bluebell Dairy, a family-run farm park based on the outskirts of Derby in Spondon, has announced a big moo-ve on the farm after completing its £180,000 new barn project.
The huge investment in the 7,200 square foot purpose-built ‘Cow Palace’ which is set to feature a high-tech robotic milker, will be home to the farm’s herd of Holstein Friesian that produce milk for the Brown Family’s well known and loved artisan Bluebell’s ice cream.
Oliver Brown, Owner of Bluebell Dairy, which employs 45 people, commented on the farm’s latest venture: “We’re really excited for our herd of Friesians to get comfy and bedded into their new palace. As a dairy farmer, the welfare of the cows has always been our top priority, and this new addition means that they will be able to enjoy even more comfort and care.
“At Bluebell Dairy, we’re dedicated to providing top-quality produce, and our new Cow Palace is a testament to the love and care we have for our cows. We’re excited to take this next step and hope it brings even more happiness and health to our herd!”
The new loose-housing system will provide a comfortable environment for the farm’s cows, as they will have ample space to move around freely as well as communal laying areas for rest.
The cows will be able to choose for themselves when to be milked with the new high tech robotic milker. These fantastic machines automatically feed and milk the cow, leading to big improvements in both health and welfare. This will be followed by further investment in a cattle scratching brush to keep the cows even happier.
Bluebell Dairy are combining the robot milker with a grazing system to ensure the herd of 15 still have access to fresh grass for the majority of the year, ensuring a high quality milk for the farm’s award winning artisan ice cream.
The farm park and micro-dairy – which opened to the public in 2008 and is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year – produces 28 different artisan ice cream flavours with firm favourites including Amaretto and Cherry and Double Cream Vanilla, plus seasonal flavours such as mini-eggs, peach melba and caramel popcorn.
The cows moo-ving in date is set for the end of May with the robotic milker to be ready for action at the farm park’s May half-term event – Wild West Week.
