Michael Fabricant today (19^th May 2023) visited the family farm owned by Martin and Catherine Brown and children Grace and Magnus to see their automatic milking machines and discuss farming issues.

Michael says:  “Dunstall Hall farm near Abbots Bromley in the Lichfield constituency has recently installed automatic milking machines.  The cows amble in three times a day of their own accord to be fed and milked automatically.  The machine automatically attaches the pumps to each teat and when the machine has finished, the cow leaves of its own accord.  No humans are involved and the cows seem to enjoy it!

“While at the farm, I discussed some of the issues affecting farming including the need for migrant labour, TB in cows caused by diseased badgers, and the rising costs of fertiliser, feed, and electricity.

“Martin and Catherine are keen to hand on their farm to their children.  I was very clear to them:  the actions of Putin have made it even more plain that this nation needs to be self-sufficient not only in energy, but also in providing the food we all consume.  Being dependent on imports may not be an option in the years to come.  Government policy must continue to reflect this reality.”

The Brown family (l to r:  Catherine and Martin, Michael, and children Magnus and Grace)