The farm behind the festival - Glastonbury is here, but what happens to the cows?

Worthy Farm will go down in history as the dairy farm that transforms to hold the world’s most iconic festival: Glastonbury.

clock • 2 min read
The farm behind the festival - Glastonbury is here, but what happens to the cows?

If there is one festival that everybody has heard of, it is Glastonbury. But what makes it more unique is its location on Michael and Emily Eavis' dairy farm, who are probably one of the most well-known father/daughter farming duos of all time.

Music royalty has graced its stages, from the Rolling Stones to Beyonce, and it will go down in music history as the cream of the crop of festivals.

But here are some things you may not know, including where the cows go when thousands descend on Worthy Farm.

READ NOW: Q&A with Jeremy Clarkson: "In the past, farming on television has been portrayed as fresh straw, fluffy lambs, agreeable calves - a bit like Babe"

What do Michael and Emily farm?

Apparently there are around 400 cows at Worthy Farm in Somerset, and Michael has said in previous interviews that the dairy industry should be ‘proud of what we are doing.'

Where do the cows go?

It is said that the cows go and graze elsewhere, although the milkers stay close by to avoid e.coli.

In the beginning

Michael originally started the festival to make a bit of extra money, as farming at the time was not doing well.

Did you know?

For the first festival back in 1970, tickets were originally only £1 - according to the Bank of England, this equates to around £12.80 now. Festival goers were given free milk on entry to the farm. 

Sustainable focus

In 2010, it became the largest privately owned solar power station in the UK at that particular time, as all cowsheds were covered with solar panels - enough to power 40 homes.

Last year it will be entirely run by renewable energy.

READ NOW: Liz Fletcher on finding her feet in farming: "We love the shows; we love the tradition of them"

null
Worthy Farm is home to the world's most well-know festival, Glastonbury

 

Aberdeen Angus Bulls Naturally reared and ready to work

Aberdeen Angus Bulls Naturally reared and

VIEW ADVERT
£POA

PEDIGREE HEREFORD BULL FOR SALE

PEDIGREE HEREFORD BULL FOR SALE

VIEW ADVERT
£POA

PEDIGREE LIMOUSIN BULLS

PEDIGREE LIMOUSIN BULLS

VIEW ADVERT
£POA

More on Farm Life

Wimbledon strawberry supplier serves up 30 years of iconic tennis treat

Wimbledon strawberry supplier serves up 30 years of iconic tennis treat

Kent-based grower Hugh Lowe Farms delivers fresh berries daily to SW19 as part of its 50-tonne annual contract

clock 11 July 2025 • 3 min read
Strawberries, faith and farming: How a Punjabi family built a soft fruit empire in Worcestershire

Strawberries, faith and farming: How a Punjabi family built a soft fruit empire in Worcestershire

From the breadbasket of India to the fruit and vegetable bowl of the UK – how one family from the Punjab established an award-winning soft fruit business in Worcestershire

Alice Dyer
clock 10 July 2025 • 6 min read
Farmers hit out at Labour MP over 'unearned wealth' comments

Farmers hit out at Labour MP over 'unearned wealth' comments

Podcast causes fury as farmers take to social media to share their thoughts

clock 09 July 2025 • 2 min read