The Evolution of a Modern Dairy
Mile Elm Farm in Wiltshire is a progressive, family-run dairy that exemplifies how traditional farming values can blend seamlessly with cutting-edge innovation. Run by Jane and Guy Lewis, alongside their daughter Josie and son-in-law Mike Catley, the farm has built a high-performance 260-cow herd while branching into direct-to-consumer retail with their self-serve farm shop, Milk @ Mile Elm.
With a three-times-a-day milking regime sustained for over a decade, and a strong focus on fertility, efficiency, and herd health, the Lewis family knew future success meant embracing genetics and technology. That’s where their partnership with Cogent Breeding began.
Why Mile Elm Farm Chose Cogent
Before switching to Cogent in 2020, the Lewis family had clear goals:
- Improve breeding consistency and conception rates
- Future-proof the herd using genomic testing
- Boost calf vigour and long-term cow health
- Adopt PrecisionCOW collar technology for better heat and health detection
- Develop a balanced sexed and beef breeding strategy to align with their Cadbury’s milk contract via the Apex Co-operative
With support from Cogent Genetics Consultant Katie Evans, the farm quickly implemented a structured, data-driven programme that began delivering results.
Measurable Results: From Conception to Community Impact
Since partnering with Cogent, Mile Elm has seen impressive outcomes:
- Conception rates: 52% in cows, 65% in heifers
- Stronger calves: Increased vigour and survivability
- Genomic precision: More accurate breeding decisions and better-quality replacements
- Health monitoring: PrecisionCOW collars help detect silent heats and illness earlier
- Streamlined vet visits: Reduced costs and quicker responses
- Sustainable yield: 3.1–3.2 million litres of milk annually—with 26–30K litres sold via their own farm shop
“PrecisionCOW has been really good for picking up cows that don't show heat,” says Josie. “It’s like having a second pair of eyes. Our weekly collar routine takes just 45 minutes, but it makes an enormous difference to herd management.”
Genomics: Breeding the Herd They Actually Have
Mile Elm began DNA-sampling their heifers even before officially adopting routine genomic testing in July 2020. This early adoption gave them a powerful head start.
Today, selection prioritises Profitable Lifetime Index (PLI) and robustness traits. Even lower-ranking animals outperform industry averages—and surplus lower-genetic heifers are sold as TB-free income in a high-risk area.
“Genomic testing allows us to see the herd we've actually bred, not just the one we want to see,” Josie explains. “It’s about building good, strong, long-lasting cows—not just chasing numbers.”
From Breeding Gains to Business Growth
Improved breeding outcomes have enabled Mile Elm to focus on diversification. During COVID-19, they launched Milk @ Mile Elm, a now-thriving self-serve farm shop located just half a mile from the main farm. What began with a single milk vending machine has grown into:
- 8 vending machines (with a 9th coming), selling milk, eggs, cakes, meat, and local produce
- Farm-to-fork meat sales, processing 1 beef and 2 lambs monthly for frozen vending
- Support for 25+ local businesses, from food producers to a local florist
- Community services like dog grooming and a dog paddock
The farm is supported by a team of 16 part-time shift workers, allowing the family to focus on strategic growth.
Community & Education: Sharing Knowledge, Building Trust
The Lewis family are active champions of agricultural education and transparency:
- Open Farm Sunday welcomes the public to see modern farming in action
- Jane teaches weekly at a local college, while Guy has delivered agricultural science sessions in schools
- Their operation offers real-world examples of technology and sustainability working together
“The Lewis family exemplifies a proactive approach to dairy farming,” says Vicky Shepherd, veterinarian at Wyvern Vets. “Their strategic use of genomic testing and precision technology has significantly improved herd health outcomes and fertility management. They’re setting benchmarks for progressive dairy in Wiltshire.”
Looking Ahead: A Blueprint for the Future
Future plans include:
- A giant children’s climbing frame to make the farm shop more family-friendly
- More pop-up units for rural entrepreneurs
- Potential expansion of their dog paddock facilities
- Ongoing supply of milk to local coffee shops and mobile vans
“With more reliable breeding outcomes and healthier cows,” says Mike, who oversees crops and feed, “we can plan better for the future and invest in diversifying our business.”
Lessons for the Industry
Mile Elm Farm offers a compelling case study for modern dairy success:
- Technology pays off: Genomics and PrecisionCOW reduce guesswork and costs
- Diversification builds resilience: Starting during a crisis, their farm shop is now a thriving enterprise
- Community engagement strengthens trust: Sharing knowledge builds support for farming practices
- Family succession works: Clear role definition has allowed generational handover and expansion
Final Word: Building a Sustainable Legacy with Cogent
With top-tier genetics, a clear breeding strategy, and ongoing support from Cogent, Mile Elm Farm is thriving—not just as a dairy, but as a hub for the local community.
“Working with Cogent has given us the tools to take our herd to the next level,” says Josie. “It’s not just about genetics—it’s about building a healthy, sustainable future for our farm.”