The chance, believed to be around one in 100,000, is the first time James Chatham, an East Shropshire NFU organic dairy member, has seen one of his cows give birth to three calves.
James said: “ All of them are out now grazing with their mum and they all seem to be really enjoying themselves. 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 calf popped out later in the day in May.
“We were just absolutely delighted, very pleased that mum and the three calves are all healthy and doing well.”
James Chatham
“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."
Milk vending machines
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.
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.