Episode 2

full
Published on:

12th Sep 2024

Dairy Farming and Parenting in the UK with Charlotte Ashley

Charlotte Ashley and Arlene discuss Charlotte's journey into farming, specifically her transition from beef to dairy farming with Jersey cows. They talk about the challenges and differences between the two types of farming, as well as the joys and frustrations of being a farmer. Charlotte shares her experiences with caring for the cows, the importance of safety, and the support she receives from the farming community. They also touch on the misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding farming and the realities of farm life. In this part of the conversation, the hosts discuss the challenges of balancing farm work with family responsibilities. They talk about the dynamics of having family members help on the farm and the importance of letting professionals do their job. They also touch on the differences between traditional dairy farming and robotic dairy farming. The conversation then shifts to the topic of public footpaths and the challenges farmers face in dealing with the public on their land. They discuss the need for boundaries and the tensions that can arise between farmers and the public. The hosts also share their experiences of becoming parents and how it has impacted their farming routines. In this final part of the conversation, the hosts discuss the challenges and joys of raising children on a farm. They share stories of accidents and close calls, as well as the freedom and unique experiences that farm life provides for their kids. They also touch on the importance of allowing children to explore and learn in a farm environment, away from screens and technology. The conversation concludes with a discussion about the value of farm-fresh food and the satisfaction of providing it for their families.

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Takeaways

  • Transitioning from beef to dairy farming requires significant changes in infrastructure and management practices.
  • Jersey cows have different characteristics and require a different approach compared to beef cattle.
  • Safety is a crucial aspect of farming, and it's important to take precautions and seek advice from experienced farmers.
  • The farming community provides valuable support and a sense of camaraderie.
  • The realities of farm life can be challenging and exhausting, but there is also a deep sense of fulfillment and love for the work. Balancing farm work with family responsibilities can be challenging, but having family members help on the farm can make a difference.
  • It's important to let professionals do their job and not micromanage them.
  • Robotic dairy farming is changing the way cows are milked and is becoming more common.
  • Dealing with the public on farm land can be a challenge, especially when it comes to public footpaths.
  • Becoming a parent can impact farming routines, but finding a balance is possible. Raising children on a farm comes with its own set of challenges and close calls, but also provides unique experiences and a sense of freedom.
  • Farm life allows children to explore and learn in a natural environment, away from screens and technology.
  • The satisfaction of providing farm-fresh food for their families is a major benefit of living on a farm.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction and Growing a Farm
  • 06:10 Transitioning from Beef to Dairy Farming
  • 08:29 Milking Robots and Working with Jerseys
  • 10:46 Crop Ground and Feed Production
  • 15:58 The Realities of Farm Life
  • 29:51 Discussion on Transitioning to Dairy Farming
  • 33:49 Building the Farm and Conclusion
  • 34:21 Balancing Farm Work and Family Responsibilities
  • 36:05 The Rise of Robotic Dairy Farming
  • 40:33 Differences Between UK and North American Dairy Farms
  • 45:19 The Allure of the Countryside
  • 57:37 The Challenges of Balancing Parenting and Farming
  • 01:10:31 Accidents and Close Calls
  • 01:17:24 Exploring and Learning in a Farm Environment
  • 01:19:13 The Value of Farm-Fresh Food
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About the Podcast

Barnyard Language
Real talk about running farms and raising families.
Real talk about running farms and raising families. Whether your farm is a raised bed in your backyard or 10,000 acres and whether your family is in the planning stages or you've got 12 kids, we're glad you found us!

No sales, no religious conversion, no drama. Just honest talk from two mamas who know what it's like when everyone is telling you to just get all your meals delivered and do all your shopping online, but your internet is too slow and you've got cows to feed.

About your host

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Caithlin Palmer