Hurdlebrook

Hurdlebrook Farm, nestled in the heart of Somerset, is a family-run business with deep roots in diary farming. The Paull family’s journey began in the 1940s when George Paull, a first-generation dairy farmer, started as a tenant farmer and cattle dealer. In the early 1960s, he bought Overton Farm in Babcary. His son, Dave Paull, now managers the farm alongside his partner, Rosie, as the third generation of farmers. The neighbouring Olive Farm was purchased in the late 1960s by Dave’s parents, Ken and Mary, and today, the two farms are run together as one unified operation. With 200 cows and a growing heard of young stock, the farm’s future looks bright, with the fourth generation already showing interest in taking the reins.

The real stars of Hurdlebrook are the farm’s Guernsey cows, known for their unique and high-quality milk. Each of the 200 cows has its own name and personality, creating a personal bond between the animals and their caretakers. Dave’s favourite is a gentle cow named sunshine, while Rosie’s is a cow named Rosey. These cows graze on lush, clover-rich pastures, naturally fertilised with the farm’s own manure. The milk is collected twice daily in a spotless herringbone parlour to ensure the highest standards of cleanliness and quality.

What sets Hurdlebrook’s milk apart is the unpasteurised Guernsey milk, which is a rich golden colour due to the breed’s inability to fully digest beta carotene. This gives the milk its distinctive, creamy texture and silky thickness. The flavour is so exceptional that once you try it, conventional pasteurised milk will seem pale in comparison. Dave is a passionate advocate for the health benefits of raw milk, which contains beneficial bacteria and enzymes that are destroyed during pasteurisation. These natural components are vital for gut health and overall well-being.

Hurdlebrook’s yoghurt is the exception, as it is pasteurised, but Dave takes a unique approach by adding fresh berries directly into the whole pot, rather than just as a topping. The farm has received numerous accolades for its premium products, including multiple awards from Taste of the West and the Royal Bath and West Show, as well as several Great Taste Awards in the last three years. Dave and Rosie’s mission is simple: to produce the highest quality milk and cream while keeping their customers healthy and happy.