The ethics of dairy production in most of the world are extremely hard to defend.

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Male calves born into dairy herds rarely survive more than a few days.  Females are forced to calf each year once they're old enough to produce milk, so that by the age of six or seven - less than half their natural lifespan - their bodies are exhausted and they're slaughtered as no longer economically productive.

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We're looking at how to use the land at Newhouse to have a small, sustainable, slaughter-free dairy herd, and then to produce beautiful cheeses and other products from that.

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We love Sanjay and his team at Ahimsa (here), who are pioneering this in Rutland, and we think their principles sound about right:

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• We should never slaughter a cow because it's reached the end of its 'economic' life;

• Calves should suckle from their mothers until naturally and gently weaned;

• Oxen and retired milking cows should have satisfying, rewarding lives with meaningful work or activity

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We're also inspired by some of what Tilly and Alan are doing at the beautiful Wild Farm in the Cairngorms (here), especially by the completely charming Soay Sheep, and we think it might be great to be involved in the preservation of the ancient, important and hardy Soay breed.

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We're also looking to put up several large polycrubs to get as close as practical to being self-sufficient for vegetables.

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If any of this is something that appeals to you, and you think you might be able to help us in any way, please do get in touch!