Three new calves have given one Shropshire farm an unusual first.

The organic farm near Shifnal, run by the same family since 1944, has welcomed triplets for the first time in its 280-strong herd.

James Chatham, who now runs the farm and is a member of East Shropshire NFU, said the birth was “a big surprise” and that the two heifers and a bullock are “all healthy and doing well”.

He said everyone on the family farm is “absolutely delighted” and that the calves are “now grazing with their mum and they all seem to be really enjoying themselves.”

Chatham said the final calf to be born came as a shock.

“The last one was a real surprise,” he said, explaining that “we hadn’t scanned [the mother] before”.

“So three calves turning up was just a real delight and a big surprise,” he added.

“It is very much against the odds,” Chatham said, adding the moment was “really quite special in my farming career”.

He said the calves and their mother are now enjoying “pastures grown on healthy Shropshire soil”.

The triplets may also draw extra attention to the farm’s milk vending machine, which was set up in 2018 and lets shoppers fill bottles straight from the farm.

Shropshire NFU adviser Ed Garratt said the organisation was “delighted for James”, adding that “it is such a rarity.”

“Triplets are significantly rare than twins in dairy and beef herds,” he said.

“We were pleased that all of the calves and mum are healthy and are busy out grazing in the fabulous Shropshire countryside.”

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