The owners of a popular Co. Down farm shop have made the “most difficult decision” as they announce their doors will close for the final time this weekend.
Brookvale Farm, a family-run dairy farm based on the Redhill Road, outside Dromore, made the announcement on social media on Wednesday after three years of business and over a 100 years of family heritage at the site.
The shop will be closing on Sunday (November 5) at 6pm, in a development which the Lilburn family, who have farmed the area for generations, say “breaks their hearts”.
In their statement, the family said: “We want to take a moment to thank each and every person who has supported us over the past three years. From the moment we opened the doors of our little milk hut, growing to our fabulous farm shop and opening Brookvale farm up for visits, we have had the most overwhelming support!
“We have met so many wonderful customers and had amazing relations with local businesses, schools and playgroups.”
The statement adds that despite diary farming being in the family for generations, it’s “not quite what it used to be from a business sense”.
It continues: “We all know diversification is now key in the dairy industry but unfortunately the ever increasing costs and demands still don’t quite match the ever failing milk price”.
The statement concluded: “This has been the most difficult decision and not one we have taken lightly, but it has been our decision, as a family…no one else’s. Stories will be told and rumours will be spread but we wanted you to hear the ‘real deal’ from us.
“Our amazing herd of milking ladies will be relocating to a new home in the near future and after that we’ll adapt to our new normal at Brookvale Farm, with new opportunities, whatever they may be!”
