Farm manager moves to pastures new
Joseph Heler Ltd is bidding a very fond farewell to farm manager Keith Chester's after 42 years of loyal service, during which he developed the company's herd from just 84 Ayrshire's to over 750 prize winning Holsteins.
Keith, who was born in Nantwich and educated at the Nantwich Grammar School, joined Joseph Heler following a management diploma at the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester.
The company at that time comprised 100 acres, 84 Ayrshire cows, breeding sows and made one small vat of cheese each day. The farm now extends to 700 acres, collects milk from 120 farms and produces about 40 tonnes of cheese each day.
Keith was confident that the business would succeed. "In the early days I could see that Joseph's attitude and potential would give us the opportunity to expand. I'm not surprised that we have worked together for 42 years, we've had a great relationship, we've seen our families grow up and our current MD, Mike Heler, learnt the ropes as he worked with me on the farm," said Keith.
During the 42 years, Keith has seen bouts of Foot and Mouth unfold and endured several bouts of swine fever. We lost all our stock in the 1968/69 foot and mouth crisis but it was the start of our successful experiment with Friesians and then Holstein cattle.
The successful rearing of the company's Holstein stock has been amongst Keith's greatest interests, and his expertise in the high-yield breed has led him to judge herds and competitions across the UK. Keith states that, "For years the UK lagged behind the US and Canada in terms of breeding Holsteins, but we're now amongst the best in the world."
With such in-depth expertise, Keith now plans to step down a gear and work independently as a farm auditor after training with the National Association Farm Assurance Scheme (NADFAS). This standard is required by milk wholesalers and aims to further the traceability of milk and milk products. Keith will also carry out consultancy, especially on the breeding and feeding of Holsteins, and the crops associated with their management.
"I look forward to my new role, which will keep me in touch with people and characters within the industry and especially those at Joseph Heler's," said Keith.
Mike Heler, MD at Joseph Heler Ltd, said: "I'm very proud to have learnt about farming from someone as talented as Keith. We've no intention of missing him though because I hope he will find time to regularly audit our suppliers and ensure they maintain the same high standards he has set."
