George’s Story

George Llewellin, Lower House Farm

Two years ago George Llewellin and his family faced a stark choice: their dairy unit at Lower House, Clarbeston, Pembrokeshire had seen better days and they had to either get out of milk or make a major investment to stay in by substantially modernising their set-up In one of the biggest decisions the family had faced since buying the farm from their former landlords in 1976, they chose to invest and continue dairy farming.

Dairying is still hard work and we work long hours, but we’re proud of what we do

New buildings were constructed, a new milking parlour was installed, and “all the mod cons? that a modern dairy - and a modern dairy cow - could benefit from were purchased. Recently they have also bought more land to expand the enterprise further and cow numbers are likely to increase from their present 210.

The decision to stay in milk will hopefully pay off, says George, with the developments at the creamery making the investments even more worthwhile.

“We spent a lot of money on our new set-up but we are delighted we did it,? says George. “We’ve got a really modern set-up and are now producing milk which is going into a local creamery to produce named local products. I think it is brilliant.?

George, his wife Anne, and son Ben, 26, who came into the partnership last year, have a much brighter future. And their cows are also set to have a more colourful time too! Up until recently the cows on the farm have been pedigree Black and White Holsteins, but Ben is introducing pedigree Jersey blood into the herd. Or at least his fiancée is! Some 15 Jersey heifers from Mia’s well known Riverside herd have been introduced which will help the farm produce even creamier milk and our creamery even creamier tasting cheese!

“Dairying is still hard work and we work long hours, but we’re proud of what we do,? says George. “Our investment, and the creamery’s investment have come at exactly the right time and we’re delighted we are producing and supplying milk to create award-winning cheese from the Pembrokeshire Cheese Company.?