Paul Eggleston
As a well respected Milk supplier, Paul Eggleston has been a valued associate of Long Clawson Dairy since 1991. With family ties dating back to when the dairy first opened in 1911, one might expect Mr Eggleston’s schedule to take up a lot of time. That it does; but not enough to stop him from taking a bit of time out to sit down and give a warm hearted interview about how he first got involved with Long Clawson Dairy.
How did you first become involved with Long Clawson Dairy?
My great grandfather J.J. Eggleston was one of the first involved with LCD. The family have followed in his footsteps with my father Roy Eggleston becoming chairman in the past.
Is it important for your children to follow in the traditional family footsteps?
I have a boy and a girl, both are interested in farming but both have different interests too. I would never force it upon them to follow in the family footsteps, however providing a well performing business that they could choose to enter is a big driver for me.
Have you always worked and lived in the Vale of Belvoir?
My Father brought Bridge Farm, Long Clawson in 1964 so I had the privilege of growing up there – it’s a lovely country home. I also got married not far from Long Clawson, which has enabled the children to have a similar up-bringing.
As a Dairy farmer, is it important to have a specific breed of cow?
I have Holstein Cows which I believe are a good breed. But I am interested in looking at others to see whether cross breeding might create better cow fertility, and protein in the milk which is essential for Stilton® production.
What do you like doing in your spare time?
I very much enjoy country sports, it’s something that I may even call a passion of mine. A big group of us will travel to Scotland 3 maybe 4 times a year to go Fly fishing, it’s a fantastic environment. I also try to get the odd game of rugby in when I can.
What other passions do you have?
The countryside is my biggest passion. I think farmers have a big part to play and a lot to offer – some might even say we’re the custodians of the countryside. A lot of time is spent repairing damage to the countryside, hedgerow management, replenishing crops and taking the time to grasp technology.
Do you have any funny stories from the Farm?
I was visiting a friends farm, and I noticed all his cows had escaped. I shouted to let him know, but it wasn't until I got a bit closer that i suddenly realised they were my cows. Somehow they’d managed to get through a gap in the hedge and all 300 of them decided to go out for a wonder. The funny thing was, when I went out to round them up, all 300 of them just calmly wondered back home – the exact same way they came.