Jonny Slack, a 36-year-old dairy farmer at Dolphenby Farm in Cumbria, expresses his fondness for mornings. His day typically starts at five in the morning, focusing on milking and feeding the 500 cows under his care until around 8 am when he takes a break for breakfast.
Dolphenby Farm is a key supplier of milk for Nestlé’s Nescafé range of frothy coffees, which are manufactured at the nearby Dalston factory, only 20 miles away. Jonny attributes the production of high-quality milk from his cows to the premium grass and soil quality they are provided.
Working alongside Robert Craig, his farm co-manager, Jonny acknowledges the significant role of the long-standing partnership between Dolphenby, Nestlé, and First Milk, a British farmer-owned dairy co-operative. This collaboration has been instrumental in transitioning towards regenerative practices, prioritizing soil health and reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers.
Emphasizing the importance of regenerative farming, Jonny underscores the interconnectedness of farming with nature, soil, animal welfare, and community well-being. He highlights the heritage of the cows at Dolphenby, shaping the local landscape and contributing to the production of locally sourced milk for the nation.
While Robert hails from a lineage of farmers, Jonny, who started as a cowman at 16, has paved his own path to becoming a stakeholder at Dolphenby. Living on the farm with his wife Lucy and their daughter Neave, Jonny appreciates the enriching environment for their family, with Neave actively engaging in farm activities.
Lucy, who works off the farm full-time, plays a crucial supportive role in Jonny’s farming endeavors. Recognizing farming as a family affair that demands dedication beyond standard working hours, Jonny values Lucy’s assistance and guidance in their shared commitment to the farm’s success.
As consumers enjoy their morning Nescafé Latte, they can take pride in knowing that the milk used is sourced locally from healthy cows nurtured on nutrient-rich soil in the UK.