Jonny Slack, a 36-year-old dairy farmer at Dolphenby Farm in Cumbria, expresses his fondness for mornings. His day typically begins at 5 am, starting with the essential task of milking and feeding the 500 cows under his care until around 8 am, followed by breakfast.
Dolphenby Farm is a key supplier of milk for Nestlé’s Nescafé range of frothy coffees, which are manufactured just 20 miles away at the Dalston factory. Jonny emphasizes that the key to producing high-quality milk lies in providing cows with top-notch grass and soil, a practice they excel at in Cumbria by allowing cows to graze on nutritious grass for extended periods.
Jonny and his farm co-manager, Robert Craig, attribute much of their success to the enduring 21-year partnership with Nestlé and First Milk, a British farmer-owned dairy co-operative. This collaborative relationship is described by Robert as unique and well-supported, with a focus on moving towards regenerative practices.
In recent years, Dolphenby has prioritized soil health and biodiversity, reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers in favor of regenerative farming practices. Jonny underscores the significance of regenerative farming in maintaining a holistic cycle that nurtures the environment, cows, and people alike.
Reflecting on the historical presence of cows in the local landscape, Jonny highlights the farm’s role in producing food for the nation through locally sourced milk. While Robert hails from a lineage of farmers, Jonny, despite not having a farming background, has carved his niche in the industry and now co-owns Dolphenby with his wife, Lucy, and their daughter, Neave.
Jonny appreciates the idyllic upbringing environment Dolphenby offers his daughter, with activities like tending to pet sheep, feeding calves, and enjoying outdoor play. Lucy, who works off the farm, plays a crucial role in supporting Jonny’s farming endeavors, emphasizing the collaborative and family-oriented nature of the business.
Consumers indulging in their morning Nescafé Latte can take pride in knowing that the milk used is sourced locally in the UK from cows raised on nutrient-rich soil, a testament to the sustainable and quality-focused farming practices at Dolphenby Farm.