Jones family dairy farm—held on the stunningly gorgeous border of Devon and Cornwall. Since then it has become a landmark of sorts—an ode to three generations’ worth of commitment to the craft of farming. Andrew Jones, who operates the farm, feels that agriculture is something that is in their blood. He and his wife Jayne, as well as their two sons Harvey and Oscar, dedicate upwards of 100 hours per week. Whatever their title, they work day and night to ensure the success of the farm. Andrew’s father, Roger Jones, bolsters the family tradition. At 80 years old, he’s still farming six days a week.
Farming has changed Jayne Jones’s life in ways she never expected when she first fell in love with Andrew. Before this, Jayne was a designer for women’s tailoring brand, Jaeger, based in Plymouth. Today, she lives and dances in deep tune with the dynamic pulses of life on the farm. “You can’t help who you fall in love with,” she reflects, acknowledging her unexpected journey into agriculture.
The family’s commitment to their dairy operation is evident in their meticulous care for their herd of cows, which are monitored 24/7 through an extensive CCTV system. The cows dictated the pace of life, and the family lived in a rhythm that they adhered to. In practice, every day, Andrew goes out to start the milking. “The livestock comes first—they cannot wait,” says Oscar Jones, underscoring the demanding nature of their work.
Both Harvey and Oscar have returned to their roots after pursuing education, showcasing a strong bond with their family’s legacy. For Harvey, coming back to the farm represents a deep appreciation of the principles taught to him by his grandfather, Roger. Oscar echoes this sentiment, stating, “We have huge respect for our grandfather’s work ethic.” He further emphasizes the importance of their commitment to quality: “This is what sets British produce ahead of other countries.”
Running a dairy farm requires more than what meets the eye. The family understands the burdens of bureaucratic red tape on top of their production farm run as a business. Oscar notes, “There may be a lot of paperwork, but we pride ourselves on adhering to the incredibly high standards that are set.” He continues, “It’s not a burden; it’s a priority,” showcasing the pride they possess for their work.
Life on the farm is challenging, too, sometimes making it hard to separate work from home. Jayne acknowledges the need for occasional space away from each other, stating, “It’s nice to have space to be honest – when you’re working together all the time you just need to get away.” This op-ed gives a glimpse into the tightrope that is the juggling act of a family enterprise.
The family’s dedication extends beyond daily operations. They keep hold of a culture where meals are the center of their lives. Oscar shares a heartwarming tradition: “There will always be a plate waiting in the oven for tea, and when one plate goes out another one goes in.” This simple routine is a testament to how they choose to prioritize family time despite their hectic days.
