‘These are exciting times for sure’ says dairy farmer
A VISION of independent dairy production has become reality once again yesterday as Sark welcomed its first milking cows in four years.
The new island dairy will be receiving 14 cows in total from Guernsey farmer Carol Allett, being transported in small groups over the coming weeks.
New Sark dairy farmers Jason and Katharine Salisbury have used Guernsey cows on their Suffolk farm for over 35 years, and were selected out of 80 candidates from across the world to take over the island farm.
‘These are exciting times for sure,’ said Mr Salisbury.
The cows will be milked soon after arriving in Sark, but milk will not be on sale until the new dairy has had a deep clean and its hygiene certification is completed.
‘I’m expecting a few snags along the way as this is a brand new set-up which will need some tweaking before operating properly. But I do hope the first milk can be sold in late August or early September,’ said Mr Salisbury.
The story of the dairy resuming production has gone viral, with a freelance journalist from Belfast following the journey since before the new owners were chosen.
Chris McCullough specialises in agricultural journalism and first came across the story when he was in Jersey in 2019.
‘I was in Jersey when they were hunting for the new owners and I was the one to break the story when the Salisburys were chosen,’ said Mr McCullough.
‘I tried to visit Sark when I was around the Bailiwick, but the boat was cancelled last minute. I’ve kept in close contact with the Salisburys since, and I have a photographer on-island to take pictures for me.’
The newly-built barn was designed with efficiency in mind, but has also focused on building a comfortable and safe space for the cows to live.
‘We have lots of bedding, insulation and extra light for them,’ said Mr Salisbury.
The dairy products will be sold locally to various outlets, including the on-island chocolatier.
‘She is eagerly awaiting some cream for her business as well,’ he said.
