A six page feature about West Country Water Buffalo, looking at their meat and dairy enterprises.
‘The 80 or so animals at Higher Oakley Farm certainly create an impression. While some are dairy buffaloes – smaller than those reared for meat – they are still intimidatingly large; but what adds to the effect is that you never see just one lone animal. Like their wild ancestors, they move as a herd; where one goes, the group follows. The buffaloes’ behaviour around strangers can be unpredictable, so farmer Jon Corpe chooses to keep them away from public footpaths. “They’re inquisitive animals, very sensitive and aware,” he explains. “If there are different people on the farm, or if I wear different clothing, they will notice.” Their nature makes them curious and playful, though, and Jon tells tales of buffalo opening gates and playing with water troughs.’
Excerpt from Countryfile Magazine, August 2022, words only.