PIERREPONT Farm in Frensham has been given the all-clear following a tuberculosis scare earlier this summer.

Tenant farmers Mike and Bea Clear were forced to postpone Pierrepont’s annual Festival of Farming in June after one of its cows had two “inconclusive” tests for tuberculosis.

The Countryside Restoration Trust-owned farm, which is also the home of Frensham Brewery, was subsequently restricted by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) from moving any cattle to or from the farm.

This prevented it from buying a bull to get its heifers in calf, who instead had to be artificially inseminated at greater cost, and also forced the farm to suspend sales of its popular ‘raw’ milk.

However, after Pierrepont passed the required two TB tests in a row, farmers Mike and Bev confirmed last week that DEFRA has now lifted the TB restrictions.

In a post on Facebook, the farmers said: “Today we received some amazing news. DEFRA have lifted our TB restrictions after finding the cow we unfortunately lost did not have TB as well as having a clear herd TB test a few weeks ago.

“With any luck team Pierrepont will be at the National Jersey Show and All Breeds All Britain Calf Show in October!”

Pierrepont will have to pass all the necessary hygiene tests again before it is allowed to resume selling raw milk, but hopes sales will begin again soon.