GF DAIRY
The farm and dairy at Gilead Foundations provide students with valuable, therapeutic work experience and skills training.
Gilead became an organic dairy farm in 2002, and has a milking herd of approximately 120 cows. It is hoped to expand the size of the herd to 160 over the next few years.
The milk processing operation at Gilead handles approximately 2,000 litres of milk each day which is either sold to a wholesaler or packed and delivered to customers in the locality.
A £250,000 plan to expand and refurbish the dairy and milk processing operation at Risdon Farm has been drawn up. Detailed planning permission for the project has already been obtained and work will start as soon as funding is raised.
The new building will not only provide improved and extended processing facilities, but also widen the range of therapeutic skills training opportunities for students at Gilead.
“The only reason we have an organic dairy herd and the milk processing unit is to provide work therapy skills training for our students,” said Ian Samuel, Gilead's general manager. “Both the farm and the dairy make a valuable contribution to the work of the charity, as well as providing additional income in the sale of skills training by-products to support our activities.
“Working with animals on the farm and in the production area of the dairy, provides students with valuable life skills and work experience.
“A farming environment is an ideal setting for students to learn about the importance of daily routine and personal responsibility – both of which are equally important in the process of rehabilitation from addiction.”
The new dairy unit will provide facilities for the manufacture of added-value dairy products, such as soft cheeses, clotted cream, yoghurt and ice cream.
“There is a healthy market for organic dairy products and we believe we can improve our product range and generate increased skills training bi-product income at the same time,” added Ian Samuel.
Please contact Ben Samuel – Farm manager on 07970 21 9991