Pioneering Animal Welfare: Duchy College’s Future Farm Sets New Standards in Dairy Farming

In an impressive stride towards enhancing dairy farming standards, Duchy College’s Future Farm has emerged as a beacon of innovation in the agricultural sector. Located at Duchy College Stoke Climsland, a part of The Cornwall College Group (TCCG), this pioneering facility is redefining the norms of animal welfare and technological advancement in dairy farming.

Under the leadership of Ed Parrish, TCCG’s Director of Land-based Operations, Future Farm is dedicated to melding the welfare of livestock with cutting-edge technology and sustainability. This commitment is evident in the facility’s design, which caters meticulously to the comfort and well-being of its 200-strong dairy herd. The farm boasts specially constructed cow cubicles that minimise injury risks and promote freedom of movement, an automatic feeding system that ensures the health and contentment of the cattle, and advanced milking technology paired with strict hygiene protocols to significantly lower the risk of mastitis and boost overall herd health.

These initiatives have led to tangible enhancements in animal welfare, as observed by Ed Parrish, who noted increased lying behaviour and a reduction in somatic cell counts among the herd. This progress underscores Future Farm’s role as a leader in setting high animal welfare standards within the dairy industry.

Photo: Anthony James Baggaley – Farm Manager – Duchy Stoke

The farm’s commitment to excellence in animal care has received acclaim, particularly following a recent assessment period which reviewed the herd’s health plans, welfare, and performance metrics. The outcomes of these evaluations surpassed both UK national averages and benchmarks set by Compassion in World Farming, especially in terms of mobility, body condition scores, and a minimised need for veterinary interventions.

Anthony James Baggaley, the farm manager at Future Farm, expressed pride in the farm’s approach, which combines the latest technology with compassionate animal stewardship. This approach not only enhances the well-being of the cows but also serves as an inspiration for future agricultural leaders. Baggaley emphasised the importance of teaching students to advocate for ethical practices and foster positive changes within the industry.

Future Farm’s approach and achievements highlight the potential for technological innovation to coexist with and even enhance animal welfare standards in dairy farming. The facility’s success is a testament to the impact of combining traditional care with modern technology, setting a new benchmark for the industry and offering a model for others to follow.

For more information on Future Farm and the range of land-based education opportunities at Duchy College, interested parties are encouraged to visit their website at duchy.ac.uk.