51AVÊÓÆµ

Montbeliardes are good for business on Staffordshire dairy farm

Making the switch to Montbeliardes over a decade ago ignited a passion for the breed in the Cotton family but also formed the basis of a successful business model. Chloe Palmer reports.

clock • 7 min read
Left to right: Andrew Cotton, Tom Knight, Rebecca Knight, and Teresa Cotton.
Image:

Left to right: Andrew Cotton, Tom Knight, Rebecca Knight, and Teresa Cotton.

Hailing from a family that was entirely wedded to the Holstein breed, Andrew Cotton and his wife Teresa were hesitant about converting to the Montbeliarde. But after losing 12 cows to TB in late 2009,...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

Ìý

More on Dairy

Dairy Talk - Stuart Sadler: "If only we had a crystal ball"

Dairy Talk - Stuart Sadler: "If only we had a crystal ball"

clock 17 May 2026 • 3 min read
The calf rearing basics that will pay you back for five lactations

The calf rearing basics that will pay you back for five lactations

To get heifers to the optimum size and stature to calve easily at 24 months, consistent daily growth rates and remaining disease-free are important, says Dr Emma Bleach, of Harper Adams University

clock 15 May 2026 • 6 min read
Are your youngstock holding back your milk cheque?

Are your youngstock holding back your milk cheque?

If heifers are entering the milking herd underweight and underprepared, the ripple effects could be costing you, says dairy expert

clock 14 May 2026 • 3 min read