See the adorable calf triplets born at Shropshire organic farm

A Shropshire organic dairy farmer has spoken of his delight after welcoming rare calf triplets on his farm near Shifnal.

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The chance, believed to be around one in 100,000, is the first time James Chatham, an East Shropshire NFU member, has seen one of his cows give birth to three calves and it remains rare on farms across the country.

The Chatham family farm at Brockton Grange, near Shifnal, and much of their milk from the family’s 280-strong herd goes to the co-operative Organic Herd.

James also sells milk and other products direct to the public through vending machines having transformed part of their old dairy in 2018 - investing in the new technology to offer people quality, affordable, high welfare produce straight from the farm gate.

He said the three new arrivals were the first time he had seen it happen at the family’s business, established in 1944, and could only remember it once on another farm in the county.

James said: “We were just absolutely delighted, very pleased that mum and the three calves are all healthy and doing well.

“All of them are out now grazing with their mum and they all seem to be really enjoying themselves.

“All of our ladies eat pastures grown on healthy Shropshire soil, full of natural goodness, producing milk - we’re proud to be organic and also sell fresh from the farm.

“We hadn’t scanned her before so three calves turning up was just a real delight and a big surprise.” James said he was there with his herdsman Chris Elliott for the delivery of the first two before a third popped out later in the day.

“The last one was a real surprise, deciding to turn up in the afternoon and it was just brilliant to see,” he said.

“I’d say it is very much against the odds and they are the first set of triplets we have had, two heifers and one bullock, who are all now out enjoying some grass.

“Farming is a real joy, we love what we do to produce food for people but this is really quite special in my farming career.”

The Chatham family have cared for the cows on their award winning family farm for three generations and the 270-strong dairy herd are milked twice a day.

The business was certified organic 26 years ago.

The family has two vending machines, one which allows people to buy milk and another that sells their reusable one litre glass bottles, organic cheese, butter and free-range eggs.

Shoppers who head to the self-service hut can use Chatham reusable bottles or their own suitable containers to get fresh, gently pasteurised, unprocessed, organic milk.

The milk is non-homogenised (unprocessed) so they get an old-fashioned cream line at the top, which can be mixed in or scooped off if needed.

The dairy hut is open from 5.30am to 10pm.

James said: “The self-service hut is a great way of serving the community, there are zero food miles, it helps to reduce plastic waste and we get a fair price.”

The freshly pumped liquid, once pasteurised, is transferred into the tank of the vending machine and the machine steam cleans itself after every use.

Ed Garratt, NFU Shropshire county adviser, said: “We’re delighted for James and it is such a rarity as triplets are significantly rarer than twins in dairy and beef herds.

“We were pleased that all of the calves and mum are healthy and are busy out grazing in the fabulous Shropshire countryside.”