A DAIRY farmer says his fitness has improved since leaving city life to return to run the farm he grew up on.

Dan Burdett, who farms in Haywards Heath, is one of 2,400 Arla dairy farmers in the UK who collectively power the dairy industry.

As a member of the Arla farmer co-operative, Dan owns a share of the business which means both Arla and the co-operative farmers can work together to create a sustainable long-term future for the dairy industry.

Dan, who used to work in marketing in London, returned to his farm ten years ago to take over from his parents.

Dan and his team are out walking about the 700 acres from 5.45am, looking after all of the 275 cross-bred Norwegian Reds.

He said: “The day-to-day running of a farm and the upkeep of healthy and happy cows is a seven day a week job, with regular ten to 12-hour days.

“My daily tasks include feeding, cleaning and milking.

“I cover 25,000 steps on average a day which equates to around 1,500 calories burned.

“Therefore, I really need to look after my body to keep my strength up throughout the day.

““I ensure I keep my energy levels up with a big bowl of porridge at around 9am along with healthy snacks during the day.

“My evening meal sets me up nicely for my early start.

“I love to utilise the core product from our farm - milk, as part of a healthy diet. I love treating myself to a bowl of ice cream after a long day.”

Lise Larson is senior nutrition specialist at Arla Foods.

Lise said: “Milk is one of nature’s original superfoods and is recommended by experts and governments across the world as part of a healthy diet for all of us.

“Healthy eating is essential for hard working farmers as the dairy industry relies on their power, strength, commitment and stamina each and every day.

“As well as being naturally high in protein, consuming balanced amounts of milk, yoghurt and cheese in our diets contributes to the natural nutrients that are important for maintaining our body’s function.

“Besides the well known high calcium content, milk is naturally high in iodine – which helps maintain normal cognitive function, as well as vitamin B2, which reduces tiredness and fatigue.

“It also contains potassium, which aids maintenance of normal blood pressure and muscle function.

“This natural content is why milk can be considered a kind of superfood.

“However, milk is more than nutrients, and we shouldn’t forget about its great taste and creaminess that makes it so versatile for cooking.