Huw Foulkes

• Huw Foulkes has transformed Pentrefelin, his family's farm at Llandyrnog, Denbighshire, into one of Wales' most innovative regenerative, pasture-based farming businesses. One of only a handful of comparable enterprises in the UK, it demonstrates that environmentally responsible dairy farming and commercial success can go hand in hand. Today the business provides a sustainable livelihood for Huw while continuing to evolve through new ideas and investment.
• Having grown up on the farm, Huw has had a longstanding passion for dairy farming. Before returning home, he spent 13 years managing a large commercial dairy herd, gaining valuable experience in livestock management, business efficiency and team leadership. When his father began stepping back from farming and let out the land, Huw recognised the opportunity to develop a completely new business model that would make the most of the farm’s natural resources while creating greater value from every litre of milk and every animal reared.
• Since 2021, Huw, his brother and their father, have developed Pentrefelin into a pioneering regenerative Micro Cow & Calf Dairy. Combining regenerative grazing, excellent animal welfare and low-input production with direct marketing, they have created a business that captures value throughout the supply chain. Their success has enabled them to bring back all 95 acres of owned land and a further 40 acres of rented land.
• The business began modestly with just four Red Poll heifers, chosen for their ability to produce both milk and beef efficiently within a low-input grazing system. By making full use of existing infrastructure and drawing on Farming Connect support for soil analysis and a new rotational grazing strategy, Huw built the business methodically from the ground up.
• Today the herd has grown to 25 Red Poll cows milked once daily, producing premium milk alongside 100% grass-fed beef and value-added outsourced cheese and yoghurt. A thriving three-acre market garden complements the dairy and livestock enterprise, supplying seasonal produce sold from the farm shop and an expanding customer base that includes local cafés, retailers and consumers who value high-quality, local produce. 
• Huw is passionate about sharing knowledge and encouraging others to challenge conventional thinking. He regularly hosts farm walks, discussion groups and educational visits, speaks at industry events and contributes to podcasts promoting regenerative agriculture, business resilience and innovation. He believes that being open about setbacks and lessons learned is just as important as sharing success.
• As a mentor, Huw works with farmers wanting to build more resilient, profitable and sustainable businesses. Whether exploring regenerative farming, direct marketing, diversification, grazing management, adding value to farm produce or developing entirely new enterprises, he will help you identify practical opportunities that suit your circumstances. His mentoring style is open, encouraging and grounded in real experience. Rather than offering one-size-fits-all solutions, he will listen carefully, ask challenging questions and encourage you to develop realistic plans that deliver long-term commercial and environmental benefits.

• Family-run regenerative micro-dairy and livestock farm in Denbighshire with 95 acres owned and 40 acres rented.
• Pasture-based Red Poll cow-and-calf dairy and 100% grass-fed beef enterprise.
• Diverse species-rich rotational grazing system using lucerne, chicory, cocksfoot and clovers to improve drought resilience, soil biology and productivity.
• Three-acre market garden producing seasonal fruit and vegetables.
• Direct-to-consumer milk, dairy products, meat and market garden sales sold through the farm shop, cafés and local retailers.

"You don't need a huge farm or large herd to build a successful business. I started with just four cattle. Get the basics right, understand your numbers and build steadily on strong foundations."

"Do your homework, make the most of the support available and never underestimate the power of telling your story. Customers buy into your values as much as your products."