All of the dairy cows from a historic Jersey farm have been rehomed in the island after the family business ceased production earlier this month.
Blanc Pignon Farm at La Haule ceased production of all dairy and meat products at the start of February, citing its increasingly small scale of operation and the resulting inability to remain financially sustainable in a rapidly evolving dairy industry.
A statement shared on behalf of the farm confirmed that the 51-strong dairy herd was successfully rehomed last Friday.
“All of the dairy animals have been placed with existing dairy herds within Jersey, ensuring continuity of care in familiar agricultural environments,” it said.
“The rehoming has been carried out with the support and cooperation of members of the local dairy farming community, and the owners are very grateful for the practical assistance and collegial spirit shown by other dairy farmers and partners.
“The willingness of others in the sector to step forward and provide homes for the animals has ensured that the process could be handled calmly and responsibly, and reflects well on the strength and solidarity of the Island’s dairy community.
“The welfare of the animals has been the first priority throughout the closure process, and the arrangements have been made to ensure that.”
The statement added that a number of beef cattle remain on the farm, with arrangements being made for these animals as part of the ongoing wind-down of operations.
“The closure of Blanc Pignon Farm is being managed in stages to ensure that livestock, staff, customers, and regulatory requirements are all dealt with responsibly and in a considered manner,” it said.
“The owners have also been mindful of the impact on employees and the inevitable redundancies that follow the closure of the business.
“The farm has been part of Jersey’s agricultural landscape for many years, and its closure marks the end of an era.
“The owners remain grateful to those who have supported the farm over that time, including staff, customers, and others in the dairy farming community.”
A Norfolk animal sanctuary had offered to take on the whole herd as an alternative to keeping the herd in the dairy industry.
Blanc Pignon Farm declined to comment on this offer when approached by Express.
