Grab your wellies and meet the men, women and children behind Moo milk!
Hidden away in deepest Dorest, Brunsell Farm is home to the Harris family, the latest in a long line of farmers. Originally, Brunsell Farm was a mixed farm with sheep, poultry and cereals as well as cows. But now occupying a new plot up on the hillside, Brunsell Farm is a proper dairy farm with 160 cows and plenty of pets; guinea pigs, chickens, fish, a goat, a pony and, to the delight of young Archie, a lot of tractors.
Alban Harris
“5am may be an early start, but for me it's just like an early morning commute.”
Alban Harris, Brunsell Farm
Alban is the seventh generation in his family to become a farmer, but it's something he never viewed as a duty or a burden. “It just seemed like a natural progression to farm. More than anything else, I just couldn't wait to start milking the cows!” Alban has three daughters and a young son, Archie. Asked if he'd like his son to go into farming, Alban pauses; “I'd like him to make his own decision, perhaps take a year out and see the world before deciding what to do. Of course, we'd support his decision if he chose not to go into farming.”
Helen Harris
“We're both from farming families, so we understand the stresses and strains.”
Helen Harris, Brunsell Farm
Like Alban, Helen is from a farming family so she's well aware of the way of life — those early mornings, late evenings and cow-packed weekends. It's an understanding that's important — “If there's a heifer calving then that romantic meal may have to wait,” says Helen.
Archie Harris
“Traaaactor! Traaaaactor! Traaactor!”
Archie Harris, Brunsell Farm
At just two years old, Archie is the youngest farmer on Brunsell Farm, but that doesn't stop him getting involved. After touring the farm on Alban's tractor, Archie has developed a real love for these big machines. Every tractor he sees is accompanied by a shout of excitement, and every time he leaves the house he takes his tractor catalogue with him. To Archie, this working farm is a huge playground where he can pet the cows, pony or goats and play in the green, open spaces.