Fertility might not be the flashiest topic on a dairy farm, but it’s the one that keeps everything else turning—and this week Dave hands the mic to the man who makes it happen. Meet Mal, the farm’s long-time AI technician, whose “walk-and-chalk” service starts at 4 a.m. every morning. From the shed gates he studies the herd’s body language, fresh tail-paint marks and data in the Uniform app before deciding which cows need checking, scanning or serving.

Mal’s work is a true partnership. The whole Halton team watches the herd throughout the day, snapping photos and notes to a dedicated WhatsApp group so he can fine-tune tomorrow’s plan—because even the tiniest shift in diet, a hint of mobility issues, or a change in the weather can knock a cycle off course.

The conversation widens into careers, too. Mal explains how he swapped a textile-factory job for seven-day weeks on the fertility circuit, why he still loves relief-milking, and how his son Calum has joined the family business. Passion, persistence and that 4 a.m. alarm have grown his one-man Land Rover-and-flask outfit into a trusted service for dozens of farms. He still relishes the job’s variety, the quiet moments in the parlour and, most of all, the buzz when another pregnancy check comes back positive.

By the end of the episode you’ll understand why fertility is the quiet engine of a year-round calving dairy, and why a good technician is worth his weight in milk.

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The first cut of silage season has arrived, and just about everything else at Halton Farms seems to grinds to a halt until the grass is safely in. Climb into the tractor cab with Karen as she rides shotgun beside Farmer Tom, who’s busy mowing lush spring grass that will feed the herd all winter long.

While the mower hums, Tom admits he’s only now—eight‑and‑a‑half years later—getting comfortable with the GPS, monitors, buttons and auto‑steer that make modern silage work possible. He explains how a single rain shower can change sugar levels overnight, why chopping at just the right height protects next month’s regrowth, and how the perfect harvest window means happier, healthier cows when cold weather hits.

It’s a mid‑field masterclass in timing, tech and teamwork, delivered in real time from the tractor seat. Grab your headphones, smell the fresh‑cut grass, and learn why silage season is the most important (and most frantic) moment on the dairy‑farm calendar.

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Dave is finally back from his sunshine break! In this episode, Karen invites Farmer Tom back for another deep dive into British dairy—this time with Dave asking the questions. The conversation opens with a frank look at milk prices and why farmers remain price-takers rather than price-makers. Tom explains how better contracts, quotas, and smarter supply caps could steady both farm income and the national milk supply.

From there, the trio unpacks the challenges of milk contracts and launches into a spirited debate on farm-assurance schemes: Tom insists inspections should start with the cows, not the filing cabinet.

Staffing gets its moment too. At Halton Farms, both eager newcomers and seasoned hands start with the same trial day—an equal-opportunity test that quickly reveals who’s truly parlour-ready and willing to work the cows’ way, not their own. Tom also shares his reset-button approach to rough days—drop the guilt, fix the mistake, and move on—because sulking only makes tomorrow harder.

Looking ahead, Karen and Tom discuss bringing agriculture back into the classroom and how high-tech farming could tempt the next generation. Their shared goal: leave British dairy stronger than they found it.

It’s a warm, candid episode packed with big questions and bigger laughs. Pour a glass of milk, press play, and discover why price, people, and perspective matter more than ever on today’s dairy farms.

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In this heartfelt instalment, Karen sits down with her husband, Farmer Tom, for an unfiltered conversation about the life that chose him long before he could choose anything else. Born into agriculture and still as passionate (and, at times, as emotional) as ever, Tom traces his journey from childhood chores to running a diversified, modern dairy operation. Along the way, he reflects on how farming has evolved—tighter margins, changes in regulations, supermarket price pressure, and why careful planning, resilience, and a willingness to innovate matter more than ever.

Tom also explains why careful resource management and operational efficiency are crucial to balancing productivity with responsibility; how the constant tug‑of‑war between cost and care shapes every decision on the farm.

The episode wraps with Karen’s quick‑fire quiz, revealing lighter insights into Tom’s preferences, though he can’t help pausing for the occasional deep‑thinking moment.

Tune in for a candid portrait of a farmer whose love for the land is matched only by his determination to steer it safely into the future.

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In this episode, Karen goes solo while Dave takes a well-deserved break—and it’s all about the farm’s most precious residents: the calves! Join her on an early-morning journey through the ups, downs, and downright adorable moments of calf care.

From tackling an unexpected birth to teaching two eager work experience students the ropes of rearing, Karen shines a light on the dedication and compassion that go into raising the next generation of healthy, happy cows at Halton Farms.

If you’re ready for a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most rewarding—and cutest—jobs on the farm, this is the episode for you!

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In this episode of Chewing The Cud, Karen and Dave are joined by Leigh Fletcher of LMF Hoofcare, who visits the farm every two weeks to ensure the herd’s hooves are in top condition. From trimming techniques to preventative care, Leigh’s knowledge, experience, and genuine love for our cows shine through, making him an invaluable member of Halton Farms’ wider team. And when you put Dave and Leigh together in the parlour, you’re guaranteed some friendly banter along the way!

Tune in to learn why hoof health is so essential to the cows’ overall well-being, and get an inside look at how a dedicated hoof trimmer keeps Halton Farms on solid footing. Don’t miss this deep dive into one of the most important (but often overlooked) aspects of modern dairy farming.

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In this Episode of Chewing The Cud, Karen and Dave spotlight one of the most crucial—and intriguing—parts of dairy farming: the milking process. Milking is Dave’s favourite topic, and for good reason: as a hands-on Herd Manager, he’s in the parlour more often than most, which gives him a unique perspective on herd health and productivity.

Dave and Karen discuss why he chooses to personally milk so frequently, how this daily routine helps him keep a keen eye on the cows’ well-being, and what actually happens behind those parlour doors at the crack of dawn. Then, Dave treats listeners to an audio tour of the 4:30am milking session, bringing the sounds, rhythms, and insights of a bustling parlour straight to your ears.

Whether you’re a dairy enthusiast or just curious about what goes on during those pre-sunrise hours, this episode offers an inside look at the dedication, skill, and passion that make Halton Farms run smoothly—one milking at a time. Don’t miss your chance to get up close and personal with the heart of farm life!

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In this week’s episode of Chewing The Cud, Karen and Dave give you an inside look at all the latest happenings on the farm. They’ll also spill the story behind Smoothy—the friendly face running The MilkShack—whose nickname has a delightful backstory of its own.

And speaking of The MilkShack, Karen shares how this nearly 10-year-old venture came to be. Born out of the challenging days of 2016, when dairy prices fell well below the cost of production, The MilkShack proved to be a lifeline for Halton Farms and a rallying point for the community.

Tune in to learn how adversity sparked innovation, why Smoothy’s role is so vital to the farm’s ongoing success, and what keeps The MilkShack going strong after all these years. It’s a heartwarming, behind-the-scenes peek into the resilience—and people—keeping Halton Farms at the forefront of dairy.

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In this second installment of Chewing The Cud, Karen and Dave recap the highlights (and hiccups) from a busy week at Halton Farms. They also unveil a fun new way to connect with the herd—by naming one of our newest arrivals through the “Name a Calf” scheme at the Milkshack! Plus, Dave tackles the big question, “What’s the hardest part of the job?”, and his surprising answer might just make you look at farm life in a whole new light. Tune in for real-world insights, plenty of laughs, and an inside look at how people (and cows) keep the farm ticking.

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Welcome to the first episode of our brand-new season of “Chewing The Cud,” recorded straight from Halton Farms near Congleton in beautiful Cheshire! We’re kicking things off with a look at how life on the farm has evolved over the past 12 months—and there’s plenty to share.

What to expect in this episode

A Year in Review: Catch up on the latest happenings since our last season and how the farm has grown.

Introducing Dave: Meet our new Herd Manager (and co-host!), who has jumped right into life at Halton Farms and brings a fresh perspective to the team.

Catching Up with the Cows: Get the inside scoop on how our beloved herd of 900+ crossbred cows are thriving, plus some stories about the day-to-day fun and challenges.

A Special Milestone: Find out about a recent achievement that has everyone at Halton Farms feeling proud and excited for the future—an industry nod that took us by surprise!

Tune in as we set the stage for all that’s to come in Season 2. Whether you’re a returning listener or joining us for the first time, subscribe now so you won’t miss a single episode of “Chewing The Cud.” There’s always more to learn, more to share, and more to chew on in the world of dairy farming!

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