Richard Upton

Richard hails from a dairy farming background and grew up helping his father and grandfather who were both
tenant farmers.

While completing his A Level qualifications, Richard sought part-time work at local dairy farms. On progressing into higher education at University Centre Reaseheath, he worked on a grass-based spring calving farm to gain experience of how simple, low-cost milk production can be highly profitable.

After graduating with a Foundation Degree in Agriculture with Dairy Herd Management, Richard became the
manager of a 180-head Holstein herd, applying his knowledge to improve performance and profitability by
trialling paddock grazing to reduce feed costs.

Richard started a personal enterprise rearing and selling youngstock in 2012 alongside his employment. Profits
were invested back into the business to increase herd size with a view to acquiring enough cattle to stock his own
holding.

In June 2016, Richard won a 10 year tenancy on a 120 acre dairy farm in Rugeley, Staffordshire. Working with his
partner Ella, the couple has managed to rapidly increase stock numbers from 30 cattle to a herd of 100 autumn
calving cows who are managed with a system of grass and self-feed silage.

Richard’s aim is to maximise herd size with the intention of expanding their business while maintaining a clear
focus on simple, low-cost milk production.