Tom and Karen Halton
Winners of the Dairy Farmer of the Year category at the British Farming Awards 2024, Tom and Karen Halton, of Halton Farms in Cheshire, are redefining what modern, sustainable and community-focused dairy farming looks like.
At Chance Hall Farm in Congleton, the couple manages a thriving herd of 500 ProCROSS dairy cows, producing an impressive average yield of 11,800 litres per cow annually, and doing so with animal welfare, sustainability and community engagement at the heart of their work.
The Milk Shack
The Haltons' dairy journey is rooted in legacy and innovation. Tom, a second-generation farmer, began in partnership with the Rode Hall Estate before founding Halton Farms with Karen in 2012. Four years later, they launched The Milk Shack, initially selling raw milk via a vending machine. Today, it is a bustling farm shop platform offering pasteurised milk, flavoured milkshakes, cheese, cakes, butter, eggs and more.
READ NOW: Integrated beef supply chain gives clear targets for calf rearing on Cheshire dairy farm
The venture reflects their passion for connecting farming with the public. Whether through farm tours for schools, Scouts and colleges, or their ‘Moobile' Milk Shack making appearances at local food festivals and events, the Haltons are actively challenging misconceptions about dairy farming and championing transparency in food production.
The couple said: "This allows us to connect with a wider audience, helping to dispel the negative information about UK agriculture."
Tom and Karen were praised for their well-rounded approach, from disease control and staff development to sustainability and future planning.
The judges said: "They have a firm eye on the future and are also determined to forge great connections with the public."
Environmental commitment
The Haltons' environmental commitment is clear. Their cows are housed indoors, enabling efficient dry matter usage per hectare and immediate slurry application, reducing fertiliser needs. They have introduced short-term grass leys after maize harvest to minimise soil and nutrient erosion and aim to eliminate soya from rations entirely by the end of 2024, focusing instead on more sustainable, protected feed ingredients.
READ NOW: Dairy farmers urged to delay drilling of multi-species leys to get the best results
Upon receiving the award, Tom and Karen said: "We try so hard to do everything right at home […] We do this as a team, and the cows come first. It is great to put British farming in the spotlight, we are feeding the country."
Halton Farms stands as a model of resilience, innovation and heart, a dairy enterprise that is as much about people as it is about produce.
LISTEN NOW:
