- Over your life on the farm what has been the most rewarding experience?
The most rewarding experience has to be winning the 2 Royal Shows in 2002 with Morwick Sand Queen, the matriarch of the herd! She is the face of Morwick Dairy and features on our ice cream tubs and our branding.
- And what has been the most challenging feature?
The most challenging feature is running a dairy herd in a non-dairy area. Morwick is the only remaining dairy herd across Northumberland Estate and so we rely heavily on family labour which results in us working long and unsociable hours.
- Where did the idea for the ice cream shop come from and how did you bring it to life?
When foot and mouth struck in 2001 coupled with the low milk price, we had to find a way to add value to the milk and sustain our family farming business.
DEFRA supported farmers and with the help and advice from Business Link we were able to apply for available grants to start the ice cream shop. Without the grants and support from Ryecroft Glenton with our business plan, the project wouldn’t have been possible or viable.
A redundant farm building was converted into a modern manufacturing and retail unit, together with car parking facilities, outdoor seating and a children’s play area allowing locals and tourists to visit the parlour and enjoy quality ice cream.
- How has your business changed over the last 5 years?
The next generation have each taken on greater responsibility in the management of both the farming and ice cream businesses. We have recently diversified into new areas with the introduction of the Raw Milk vending machine.
- What further changes do you see in the future?
We plan on moving to a robotic milking system and as part of this new unit, we are hoping to incorporate a viewing area so that visitors to the Ice Cream Parlour can see the daily routine of the cows in an automated milking system. Our vision is to provide each customer with a unique experience in the cow to cone story.
Another diversification venture we are hoping to achieve is cheese production. The project is very much in its infancy, but we are looking forward to this new challenge.
- What interests do you have outside of the farm?
Country sports is popular among the whole family along with football, rugby and horse racing.
- If you could invite (any) 3 people to dinner, who would it be and why?
Jeremy Clarkson – he would keep us amused with tales of his farming adventures and the progress of Diddly Squat!
Freddie Flintoff – he would be both interesting and entertaining – a winner!
Princess Anne – she would provide an insight into the life and duties of a member of the Royal Family.
- If you could go back in time, what advice would you give your younger self?
Advice to my young self would be to not to be over cautious and go with your instinct when making business decisions. Also, don’t take criticism too much to heart as you really can’t please everyone all of the time!