We've always had Channel Island cows at Tregellast Barton, since 1960 when we had 40 acres and 30 cows. And although the farm's now grown to 200 acres and the herd's over 100, they're still Jerseys, and their milk's still ideal for turning into ice cream.

Something else we've not changed is how we farm. We've never used pesticides or artificial fertilisers, which is why our land and our herd have been certified fully organic by the Soil Association since 1995. We never break the land either. And because it's never disturbed by a plough, a rich and diverse range of clover and meadow grasses grows undisturbed, which means incredibly healthy and nutrient-rich topsoil. One thing you won't see here are those vast, hedgeless prairies that seem to stretch over the horizon. Instead, our meadows are small and our hedgerows shaggy. It's the way they should be, it's what works (it's a big hit with a huge array of wildlife, too...)

And the point of all this?

No chemicals or pesticides means milk with its natural goodness intact. And Newcastle University research says organic milk – compared to non-organic – has higher levels of Vitamin E, Omega 3 fatty acids and antioxidants, all of which help beat infections.