The dairy is the main business of Upper Locharwoods, which has been in the family since 1950. The Jamiesons have a herd of around 240 pedigree, organic Holstein cows and have also converted some old barns on the farm for holiday lets.
The farm became organic in 1999 when the family found the environmental ethos appealing and thought organic status might add value to their product. Their hunch has proven correct, and organic farming has been a success for Upper Locharwoods.
Five years ago the Jamiesons adopted a paddock (rotational) grazing system, which has been a great success. Making use of a Scottish Organic Milk Producers “grass to milk” grant, they now manage their grassland much better; most years they take four cuts of silage, some years five. They sell their milk to Muller, who bottle it for sale in supermarkets.
John Jamieson is proudly involved with the Holstein Society of which he was President from 2021-23. In 2022 the family hosted the Holstein UK Celebration and AGM, which saw people from all over the country visit Upper Locharwoods, visit nearby farms and explore the beautiful region of Dumfries and Galloway.