Family Farm in Test Valley Revolutionizes Dairy Industry with Robotics and Diversification

In the heart of Test Valley, Michelmersh Manor Farm is setting a new benchmark for the dairy industry by embracing avant-garde technology and diversifying its business model. With an ambition to not only sustain but thrive in the modern agricultural landscape, the family-owned farm has taken significant strides under the guidance of Fran Drake, its matriarch.

"If you keep up with technology it's amazing," says Fran Drake, who believes that innovation has been pivotal in engaging her sons in the family business. Since 1983, when she inherited the farm from her parents, the UK dairy industry witnessed a dramatic decline, with numbers dropping from 8,720 dairy farms in 2019 to approximately 7,200 today, according to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board.

With an eye on the future, Michelmersh Manor Farm has ventured beyond traditional dairy farming, integrating holiday lets and advanced robotic systems. In 2018, supported by an EU Leader Grant, the farm invested in DeLaval's second-hand milking machines, enabling round-the-clock operations monitored through a dedicated app.

Scott Drake, Fran's 23-year-old son and the farm's milk production manager, emphasizes the family's plan to adapt to market demands through processing and self-production. "We are price takers," Scott remarks, highlighting the challenges faced by milk producers in the supply chain. The family aims to circumvent these challenges by expanding their milk vending machines, which have gained popularity across the Test Valley and beyond. By February, they have 17 machines, with ambitions to double that by 2026.

"Without diversification – including holiday lets, vending, and contracting – solely relying on milk production would be precarious," Scott acknowledges. The family's strategic outlook not only secures their legacy but also sets an inspiring narrative for the evolution of dairy farming in the region.