Bid to expand generation-spanning Jersey dairy farm

Monday, 13 April 2026 at 10:17

Plans have been lodged to modernise and expand a long standing, 100-year-old Jersey dairy farm.

Cowley Farm, on La Rue du Pont, was established in 1921, and houses 240 cows and 170 youngstock.

The farm, that's been developed over three generations, currently supplies 1.5 million litres of milk annually to Jersey Dairy, and over the next three years will increase this, whilst expanding its infrastructure to be 'as efficient and productive as possible.'

The submitted plans want to modernise the site: demolishing and replacing the existing machinery store and calf pens with new ones, and to extend the existing hay store.

It says the calf-house construction will enable 50% more calves to be reared each year, with other changes increasing the herd size to 265 cows.

The application says replacing the 35-year-old milking parlour, was a 'major investment' and has 'improved productivity significantly.'

The plans would see the wider farm follow suite.

It says, 'the dairy farm at Cowley Farm requires modernisation' that will 'help to secure the continued proper management of the island’s historic agricultural landscape'.

The applicant said: “Profitability across the dairy industry has improved consistently in recent years due to increased yields per cow as a consequence of the importation of pure Jersey semen in 2008, matched with a consistent growth in added value export sales by Jersey Dairy.”

Solar panels have been suggested for the roof of the new building.

All changes will be within the existing farmstead's land.