LITTLE Malvern Farms, the county's biggest dairy producer, has sold off its pedigree milking herd and dairy equipment after 50 years in business.

Alex Berrington, who owns the Welland farm, is one of a growing number to decide dairy farming is no longer viable.

Former farm manager Alex Burgess said: "It was a difficult decision for the family to make, but if you can't make reasonable returns on it, you won't do it.

"Milk prices are just forever dwindling - dairy farmers are going to end up in a rare-breeds farm."

A total of 400 cows, a milking parlour and other machinery were sold during a three-day sale held by Williams, Parry and Richards estate agents at the farm from October 16-18.

Mr Berrington will continue the arable side of the business.