A FARMER in Malhamdale has been giving an insight into the work that goes into getting milk from his cows into our refrigerators - to mark World Milk Day.

Paul Bolland, of Dykesland Farm, Airton, is the fifth generation of his family to run the farm.

And the 61-year-old hopes that he will keep it in the family by eventually passing the farm on to his son James, 29, who works with him at the moment.

The farm’s 200 dairy cows produce thousands of litres of milk every week, all of which finds its way into homes across Yorkshire and the country via the dairy farmers’ co-operative Arla.

The organisation points out that around 95 per cent of the British population have dairy products in their fridges - but that most of us give barely a thought to the work that goes into getting them there.

Paul, who started in the industry at the age of 14 and farms at Dykelands, which covers more than 550 acres, with wife Janet, said: “The life of a dairy farmer is hard, and there are a lot fewer of us than there used to be. We start work by 5.30am. But it can also be a very rewarding life.

“For several years we have been working with Craven College to offer apprenticeships, which has been very successful.

“Several former apprentices come back to work with us from time to time, and some have moved on to work in other agricultural spheres - one is a dry stone waller, for example. Farming is a great life if you find you are suited to it!”

Paul is not just a dairy farmer - he also has around 1,800 sheep. And the farm’s cows are now benefitting from the ‘creature comforts’ of a new milking parlour.

But should farmers continue to invest at the moment with the Brexit uncertainties that lie ahead?

Of course, says Paul. “I am an optimist by nature and farmers as a whole are a pretty resilient bunch - we tend to just get on with it!”