From farm worker to equity partner: One dairy farmer's route up the farming ladder

Neil Simcock vowed to walk away from the dairy industry if he had not progressed from employee to gaining a foothold in business by mid-career.

clock • 7 min read
Laura Smith and Neil Simcock with son Reggie.
Image:

Laura Smith and Neil Simcock with son Reggie.

Having worked with a couple of Holstein herds in the past, Neil Simcock was 27 years old when he took a job in 2008 as a general farm worker for Dale Farming, a family business which currently has herds...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

Login

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

 

More on Dairy

Breeding could help cut dairy farm emissions, report reveals

Breeding could help cut dairy farm emissions, report reveals

Can genetics play an important role in helping to lower a farm’s carbon footprint?

Chris Brayford
clock 17 May 2026 • 2 min read
Dairy Talk - Stuart Sadler: "If only we had a crystal ball"

Dairy Talk - Stuart Sadler: "If only we had a crystal ball"

clock 17 May 2026 • 3 min read
The calf rearing basics that will pay you back for five lactations

The calf rearing basics that will pay you back for five lactations

To get heifers to the optimum size and stature to calve easily at 24 months, consistent daily growth rates and remaining disease-free are important, says Dr Emma Bleach, of Harper Adams University

clock 15 May 2026 • 6 min read