Laceys Farm has recently been awarded a LEADER grant to purchase a new bottling plant and van. The demand for their delicious Guernsey milk has grown rapidly. Having started delivering to locals over the years the milk is now so popular that many local shops are demanding a daily supply.

Laceys Guernsey cows are having to work hard to keep up with demand. Daniel Lacey of Laceys Farm, Marlow is the third generation of Laceys to manage the Guernsey Herd in the Chilterns. Daniel manages the farm with his brother Gideon and Daniel’s two sons.

“My grandfather bought three Guernsey’s from Reading Market in the 1920’s and it all started from there.” Now with his two sons joining the family enterprise they are busier than ever. The new bottling plant helps to fill the bottles and label them far more efficiently than before and means that the Laceys can now keep up with demand.

“This is a great project and a truly inspiring farm diversification. There are few dairy herds left in the Chilterns and this family herd, the offspring of the original three cows, have been grazing these hills for nearly a century. The bottling plant and van will help the farm business grow.” Said Nick Phillips, Programme Manager, LEADER Programme.

You can order your milk from the farm by calling ( 01494 882230 - this is the number from SLX or call into the farm shop for other local produce and plants

LEADER is a scheme for delivering an exciting new source of funding for farmers, foresters, rural business and community organisations. The funding is part of the Rural Development Programme for England.

£5 million has been secured for allocation to local projects between now and 2013. The funding is targeted mainly to support farmers in diversification adding value to tourism, timber and exciting projects that will benefit local communities.

Projects have been supported in areas such as developing new farm businesses, community run shops, and equestrian businesses.