Farmer's delight at 'surprise' rare triplet calves

2 hours ago

Ellen Knightin Shropshire

News image — The trio is made up of two heifers and one bullock

Supplied Photograph of three calves lying down in bright green grass. The two calves on the outside are brown and white, and the one in the middle is black and white. They all have yellow identification tags in their ears and are looking towards the camera with ears pricked. — The trio is made up of two heifers and one bullock

Calf triplets have been born on a Shropshire farm - a one in 100,000 chance, the National Farmers' Union estimates.

It is the first time the farm, run by the same family since 1944, has welcomed triplets to the 280-strong herd.

James Chatham, who runs the organic farm near Shifnal, said the birth was "a big surprise", and that the two heifers and a bullock were healthy and doing well.

Everyone on the family farm was "absolutely delighted", Chatham added, and the calves were "now grazing with their mum and they all seem to be really enjoying themselves."

Chatham, a member of East Shropshire NFU, said the final calf to be born came as a bit of 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.

Ellen Knight/BBC Photograph of Chatham looking into the camera with a neutral expression. He has a short, dark grey beard. He is wearing a red and black waterproof jacket with a grey overall over the top. Chatham is also wearing a dark green cap with 'McHale' written on it in white lettering. He is stood in front of two huge barns, clad in corrugated iron. There are metal gates and fences in front of the entrances, with straw strewn across the floors. — James Chatham said it was the first time the farm, run by his family since 1944, had seen triplets born there

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

The calves and their mother are now enjoying "pastures grown on healthy Shropshire soil", he added.

They may prove to be an extra draw to the farm's milk vending machine - which, set up in 2018, allows shoppers to fill up their bottles straight from the farm.

Shropshire's 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 explained.

"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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