PROFILE Dann’s Farm
uses microchipped ear tags, is be- ing trialled on 50 cows, measur- ing each cow’s fertility, health and nutritional status and sending real-time information to smart- phones.
Adding value “For example, the system moni- tors activity, and if a cow is doing nothing for more than 10% of the time, or if she’s eating 20% less than normal, it tells me, so it’s a great way of preventing illness. It also means I can manage the cows off the farm if need be. I’d like to roll it out for the whole herd.” Most milk produced goes to dairy cooperative Arla, but 10% is made into ice cream on the farm. The venture began as Norfolk Farmhouse Ice Cream, a type of franchise with a Dutch company to make ice cream on- farm using equipment that pas- teurised raw milk as part of the production process. Simon built up a good business, but in time the costs didn’t stack up, and so a new and independent brand,
Barley, undersown with grass, is cut for whole crop silage “
“The rewards I’ve reaped from their advice have changed my business.”
Our ice cream sales are up 40% in a year
Dann’s Ice Cream, was created. There are now 12 varieties of ice cream produced using milk from the farm’s dairy herd and egg yolks from its two flocks of free-range hens, and 12 dairy-free sorbets. Cafés, restaurants, ho-
tels, tourist attractions such as Holkham, and the East of Eng- land Co-op take 60% of produc- tion, with the remaining 40% sold by Dann’s Farm staff at outdoor events and shows, and from a small farm shop. “We made some mistakes to begin with, but now we’ve got the product right, with the help of our production manager, James Smith, and our sales are up 40%
in a year,” says Simon. After a five-year break, the family welcomed 2000 visitors on Open Farm Sunday this year, and the next chapter in the farm’s development is converting a barn into an education centre.
CONTACT W:
dannsfarm.co.uk
Can Larking Gowen give you the advantage? Def initely.
Whatever the size of your business, you need an accountant who can keep you ahead of the game.
Get in touch now and discover how valuable our expertise can be.
We offer you an attentive personal, local service for your insurance, pensions and investments.
For a real conversation with real people call 01603 810310 or pop in Station House, Station Lane, Hethersett, Norwich NR9 3AX
0330 024 0888
larking-gowen.co.uk
Our Agents are appointed representatives of The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited (No. 111982). Registered in England. Registered Office: Tiddington Road, Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 7BJ. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. A member of the Association of British Insurers. For security and training purposes, telephone calls may be recorded and monitored.
D-12528656 60 ANGLIA FARMER • AUGUST 2018 Anglia Farmer - dairy farm feature
v2.indd 1 19/07/2018 13:23:24
HETHERSETT PROUD TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH F S DANN & SON LTD
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76
