TAW RIVER DAIRY ACHIEVES RENOWNED ENVIRONMENTAL, ANIMAL WELFARE AND GRASSFED CERTIFICATIONS

The dairy and beef cattle at Taw River Dairy are now Certified Animal Welfare Approved by A Greener World (AGW). Situated near Okehampton, Taw River Dairy has met the AGW programme standards, which were developed in collaboration with scientists, veterinarians, researchers and farmers across the globe to maximise practicable, high-welfare farm management.

The Certified Animal Welfare Approved (AWA) by AGW label verifies that animals are raised outdoors on pasture in accordance with world-renowned welfare standards using sustainable agriculture methods on an independent farm. Recently launched in the UK, AWA is part of the suite of "Certified By" logos offered by respected international certifier A Greener World, along with Certified Grassfed by AGW and Certified Non-GMO by AGW, which are optional, additional accreditations for Certified AWA farms.

Sam and Gemma Bullingham farm near Sampford Courtenay, pasteurising and bottling fresh milk and producing delicious ice cream on site, sold locally and nationally under the Taw River Dairy brand. Bottled milk is also sold through well-known online retailers, such as Pipers Farm. Taw River Dairy ice cream is a regular feature at local events and fairs.

Sam Bullingham established the business in early 2017 with just 10 cows on around 40 acres. Today, the couple manage a herd of 70 pure-bred and Jersey cross cows on pasture, producing around 2,500 litres of milk a week, as well as a small herd of Belted Galloway beef cattle, Exmoor Horn sheep, and Dartmoor ponies for conservation grazing.

The cattle and sheep at Taw River Dairy are raised outdoors on species-rich pasture using rotational management, grazing one area of pasture before being moved to fresh fields. This type of management allows grass to recover before cattle and sheep return to graze again, ensuring the most nutritious grass is available. It also helps to keep the soil naturally fertilised and minimises the build-up of internal parasites, thereby avoiding reliance on chemical treatments.

Taw River Dairy is arguably a pioneering farm when it comes to high welfare, sustainable dairy farming. Sam Bullingham was one of the first dairy farmers in the UK to keep calves with their mothers, to raise dairy cows on a 100% grassfed diet, and to milk year-round.

In addition to being Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW, the dairy cows at Taw River Dairy are also Certified Grassfed by AGW. This grassfed label guarantees a 100% grassfed diet, audited annually to ensure farms are meeting rigorous animal welfare standards.

With the growing disconnect of consumers from the source of their food and increasing demand for meaningful welfare standards, Taw River Dairy found it essential to have third-party validation demonstrating their exceptional welfare and environmental practices to a market hungry for honest information about their food.

Sam Bullingham of Taw River Dairy says:

“It’s quite simple: happy, healthy cows produce higher quality, better tasting milk. We’re still one of only a handful of dairies in the UK to feed a 100% grassfed diet, keep calves with their mothers, and milk only once a day because we believe it’s best for the cows and calves. All our milk is processed on site three times a week and sold locally as either bottled fresh milk or ice cream. The milk is out of the cows and into a shop within two days – you can’t get fresher than that!

“We know it is possible to farm alongside nature, producing high quality food while giving nature space to thrive. And with all the recent negative media coverage about farming’s environmental impact, it’s important that our customers know there is another way. Our A Greener World logo tells our customers that we really are farming the way we say we are.”

A Greener World International Director, Wayne Copp, says:

“We are proud to partner with Taw River Dairy and to recognise their achievements as they join our ever-growing family of AGW-certified farms across the UK and Europe. It has never been more critical for consumers to understand and support farmers who are working to make a difference. And we’re honoured to encourage this relationship by offering an uncomplicated, independent, and credible farm certification that consumers can trust to mean what is says on that label: 100% grassfed. Animal – Welfare – Approved.

“Taw River Dairy’s certifications from A Greener World recognise that their high standards of animal welfare and environmental management are not only good for farmed livestock and the planet but helps them to communicate clearly and directly to consumers who are seeking food they can trust and feel good about. What Taw River Dairy has achieved is nothing short of an inspiration for all forward-thinking UK farmers out there. Their ice cream is rather delicious, too!”

Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW, Certified Grassfed by AGW bottled milk, ice cream and Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW beef, as well as local veg, fruit, and other products, are available direct from the onsite Taw River Dairy farm shop near Sampford Courtenay. Bottled milk and ice cream is available from shops and other retail outlets across Devon, including Tavistock, Exeter, Okehampton, Tiverton, Chagford, and Mortenhampsted. Check the AGW directory for details. For more information about Taw River Dairy, email sam@tawriverdairy.co.uk. Follow Taw River Dairy on Facebook.