A room full of members gathered in November for an interesting talk from British Friesian breeder Mary Mead of the hugely successful Yeo Valley Organic brand, Somerset.
They were treated to an in-depth insight in to how the Mead family from Somerset can trace it's genetic origins back to the 1400's. Mrs. Mary Mead began her farming partnership at Holt Farm with her husband Roger when they married in 1961, starting with 150 acres they now have over 1200 acres giving them enough acreage to be self sufficient for their Lakemead milking herd of 400 organic, British Friesians.
She also shared the journey of how their farming enterprise grew....the need to diversify with the demise of the Milk Marketing Board and the start of their now multi-million pound Yeo valley Organic Brand. A story of hard work, dedication,foresight and business acumen, the highs and lows, the good luck and the tragedy.
Fellow organic farmer Colin Price of the Jackbeck herd gave the vote of thanks.
|
