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Something to be proud of!

A Plumbley & Co - particularly Kathey Owen - are familiar names within the world of famous UK stock showing arenas with ‘Best in Show' rosettes proudly displayed over many square metres of farm wall space. Whilst the milking herd consists of British Friesians, a Welsh Black suckler herd is the basis for show animals.

Kathey's son Owen Dailey farms in partnership with his mother and uncle at Calverley Green Farm in Cheshire. Comprising of 175 acres (owned) and 45 acres of rented ground, the farm is down to organically grown grass, having been organic since 1995.

The family decided that they all enjoyed farm life, loved working with the animals and wanted to stay in milking. That said, the farm had to be manageable by just one person - namely Owen - and remain economical to support the whole family. "With the need to re-invest for the future, a deposit had been put down for a new rapid-exit parlour. But then the LELY ASTRONAUT A3 came on the scene ... and all changed" said Owen.

Ten months on and Owen reports that "the cows are milking their socks off, have become much more settled and a lot less agitated. All costs are being carefully scrutinised and now that individual cow's milk yields can be closely monitored, bought-in costs are watched carefully.

It was this ability to monitor costs from the LELY dairy unit that persuaded Owen and Kathey to select a NAULTILIS bulk tank. The fully automatic unit is self-cleaning and regulates itself to maintain hygiene standards whilst refrigeration and chemical costs are under control.

With all of these systems now in place, Owen and Kathey have time to plan their herd breeding programme for the next two years - something they have always wanted to do but never had the time to implement !