Alistair Macbeth, a mixed livestock farmer in Derbyshire, shares his journey from accidental farmer to managing a small dairy farm. The farm is located in the Peak District and is primarily focused on dairy farming, with a herd of 40 cows. Alistair also keeps Jacob sheep and Gloucestershire Old Spot pigs. He and his partner Connor became farmers by chance, offering to work a few hours a week in exchange for a place to live. Over time, they took on more responsibility and now run the entire farm. Alistair also discusses his transition from being vegan to consuming meat and dairy products. 

Alistair Macbeth shares his journey from conventional dairy farming to a cow with calf system, driven by his ethical concerns. He discusses the challenges and rewards of this new approach and emphasizes the importance of supporting local farmers. Alistair also highlights the need for new entrants in the farming industry and calls for more kindness and collaboration among farmers.

Takeaways

• Alistair Macbeth and his partner Connor became farmers by accident, offering to work a few hours a week in exchange for a place to live on a small dairy farm in Derbyshire.
• The farm is primarily focused on dairy farming, with a herd of 40 cows, as well as Jacob sheep and Gloucestershire Old Spot pigs.
• Alistair and Connor transitioned from being vegans to consuming meat and dairy products, as they felt disconnected from the farming system and wanted to have more control over the quality and welfare of the food they consumed.
• Their journey highlights the importance of understanding where our food comes from and the need for more sustainable and ethical farming practices. Transitioning from conventional dairy farming to a cow with calf system can be challenging but rewarding.
• Supporting local farmers and buying local produce can make a significant difference in the farming industry.
• The farming industry needs new entrants to bring fresh ideas and resilience to the sector.
• Farmers should strive to be kinder to each other and foster a sense of community and collaboration.

Image credit: Alistair Macbeth

Meet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. 

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About Ben and  RuralPod Media

Ben Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk 

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