Podcast 21 - The Raw Truth About Milk: Jon Cook’s Journey from Farm to Health

Nutrition Life Stories

In this episode of Nutrition Life Stories, I speak with Jon Cook, a fourth-generation dairy farmer from Swindon who’s passionate about connecting consumers with raw, unpasteurised milk and its health benefits.

Jon is a 4th generation dairy farmer outside Swindon producing and selling raw milk direct to the consumer.

Jon had an idyllic traditional upbringing on the farm, coming home from school for a home cooked lunch and helping on the farm. He grew up consuming raw milk fresh from the cows and he was never unwell as a youngster. He tried office work as his father stressed how hard farming is as a career, but he absolutely hated it and he returned to manage the farm when his father became ill.

Jon wanted to connect with the customer and sell milk directly from the farm. He was keen to sell raw milk (non pasteurised) at a time when there was little advice available to do so. Consequently, he set up an association for raw milk producers to help others navigate through the minefield and hurdles to licence and sell the milk. Jon explains the misconceptions about risks associated with raw milk.

To Jon, the health of his cows is paramount. His cows graze on grass (not cereals, a non-natural feed) except during the Winter months when they feed on hay and sileage in polytunnels! He milks just once a day and once tested, the milk is filtered to sell direct to consumers. Jon’s customers have seen tremendous health benefits by transitioning to raw milk.

Jon had his own health concerns five years ago, including diabetes and being chronically overweight. Following advice from a health practitioner he radically transformed his own eating habits, lost 5 stone, reversed his diabetes and now feels exceptionally well.

You can check out Doras Dairy here: https://www.dorasdairy.co.uk