Ethical Farming   

We are proud to practice ethical dairy farming here at Wheelbirks. We keep our calves with their mother’s until they are ready to be weaned off her milk, which can take several months. This practice is unusual for dairy farms and is only possible due to us having such a small herd.

Our Jersey cows and calves can be seen outside in the lush fields from March to November. During the winter months we house them in our spacious indoor barns as Jersey cows do not fare well in cold weather.

Our cows live here until they are unwell and are unable to have a good quality of life. Our Jersey girls typically have long lives here (compared to the average life span of a dairy cow) 

One of our lovely girls is 15 years old, she is cared for gently and is in good health.

We don’t have any male calves as we use sexed semen, therefore removing the need to put down bull calves at birth.

Our Artificial insemination technique is carried out carefully and sensitively.

Dairy farming was first introduced to Wheelbirks in 1925, when Colin Richardson recognised a market for locally produced, top quality milk. The Wheelbirks herd of pedigree Jerseys are the oldest established and the only pedigree herd in Northumberland. Today Wheelbirks is farmed by the 5th generation of Richardson's, Hugh and Tom Richardson. 

OUR ICE CREAM 

Wheelbirks Ice Cream range is made using only the rich and creamy milk from Jersey cows giving the ice cream its smooth and distinctive taste. 

The whole ice cream making process is carried out on site at Wheelbirks Farm – so you can be confident that whatever’s in the tub will be top quality, homemade Northumberland fare. Our ice-cream is pasteurised.

We love nothing more than making exciting flavours and in past have made intriguing flavours such as coffee and croissant, passion fruit cheese cake and even garlic and balsamic vinegar.

Why not come and choose from our full range of flavours at our parlour? Or maybe even suggest a unique flavour yourself, we’re always open to fun ideas.

If you are interested in purchasing ice cream for trade or in large quantities please contact Hugh on 

 07950 026486.