The Ethical Dairy

Traditional cheeses produced with organic milk from The Ethical Dairy’s own dairy herd.

Rainton Farm is the first commercial dairy in the UK to be following the cow with calf method, demonstrating that cow with calf dairy farming is viable and sustainable at scale. Their ethical dairy model is based around treating the animals, the land, the environment and the people who work there with respect and kindness.

They offer a full day Cheese Making Course where you’ll learn to make two types of cheese at socially distanced workstations.

This practical cheese making course is led by the cheese making experts, Stephen and Alina who are the main cheesemakers for The Ethical Dairy. The workshop is a fascinating introduction to the craft of artisan cheese making. You’ll learn a quick way to make soft cheese which can be easily replicated at home. You’ll also make a pressed cheese, following the steps we use to make the cheeses. In total this cheese making course will result in around 1kg of cheese to take home.

Cheese making involves periods of time when you pause and let nature take its course. During these times experiences will be scheduled that will give you a broader insight into the farm and cheese making process. You’ll go on a quick tour of the farm and have the opportunity to see the cheese store, where you will be shown what to look out for as your own pressed cheese matures, and enjoy a cheese tasting experience.

Or why not attend a full farm tour, led personally by farmer David Finlay who has pioneered cow-with-calf dairy farming on the farm, harnessing natural systems and using agroecological principles. This event is in-depth and is designed primarily for adults with an interest in the environment, animal welfare, climate, ecology and / or food policy. Farmers are welcome to attend.

You will go on a walking tour of the farm and have the opportunity to meet the cows and their calves. You will hear an explanation of the farming system and how their approach differs from conventional dairy farming. David will explain what soil carbon sequestration is, and will share how recent recovery of 25 years of soil data shows that the farm is carbon negative. He will also talk about the ecology of the farm, and the increase that have been seen in biodiversity.

David will explain what regenerative farming means, and will discuss the environmental impacts of different farming approaches, in particular the positive environmental role that grass-fed livestock play in regenerative farming systems. The discussion topics will be informed by the interests of attendees and you will be free to ask questions throughout this event.

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