Farming is a way of life up here on the isles. Land, traditions and techniques are handed down through generations.
Our farmers are firmly committed to preserving our agricultural heritage and their consideration and respect for Orkney’s land and unique environment is strong.
Orkney’s 13 dairy farms form afarmers’ cooperativethat owns Orkney Cheese.
Bain
Berriedale
Brettobreck
Burger
Cleat
Drydale
Georth
Howe
Linday
Moa
Pole
Seatter
Sebay
Bain
Berriedale
Brettobreck
Burger
Cleat
Drydale
Georth
Howe
Linday
Moa
Pole
Seatter
Sebay
“Our farmers oversee the entire production process, from the rearing of the dairy cows, right through to the finished product.“
— Erlend Wood, Chairman
Orkney’s undulating farmland has deep, fertile topsoil, the result of being farmed for over 5000 years.
We have a temperate, maritime climate with long, sun filled days during the summer months.
Orkney’s high latitude at 59 degrees north means that the sun is above the horizon for over 18 hours in mid summer.
This combination of conditions ensures our cows have a rich and plentiful pasture to graze on. As grass growth is so prolific, much of the grass is cut and conserved as silage for winter fodder.
Our herds predominantly consist of Holstein Freisian cows.
Our cows enjoy outdoor living for 6 months of the year and are housed inside over the harsh winter months.
Whilst inside, they enjoy a diet of home grown barley, silage and brewers grains from a local distillery, supplemented by starch and protein rich by-products from the UK Mainland.
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Photography by Rebecca Marr.