David Finlay, co-founder of The Ethical Dairy along with his late wife Wilma, has been awarded an Honorary Fellowship by SRUC (Scotland's Rural College).
David, who established a sustainable dairy system which allows calves to stay with their mothers, was recognised alongside three other Honorary Fellows. The Fellowships were conferred at SRUC’s graduation ceremony at the Bute Hall in Glasgow, recognising the recipients’ commitment to sustainable agriculture, animal welfare, and education.
David Finlay’s pioneering sustainable practices and the integration of renewable energy technologies, has earned him multiple accolades, including BBC Farmer of the Year in 2006 and last year’s Holyrood Net Zero Award. He has significantly contributed to SRUC’s research, education, and knowledge exchange efforts.
Professor Wayne Powell, Principal and Chief Executive of SRUC, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome these exceptional individuals as Honorary Fellows of SRUC. Each has played – and continues to play – vital roles in advancing agriculture and animal welfare. Their wealth of expertise and strong networks will play a vital role in advancing our strategic vision. I’m excited about the opportunities to strengthen our collaboration in the years ahead.”
David gave a short speech during the ceremony, which is published below:
Good afternoon graduates, staff, family and friends.
I’m chuffed — and if I’m honest, a wee bit taken aback — to be standing here accepting this Honorary Fellowship from SRUC. For a place rooted in conventional farming to recognise The Ethical Dairy and a cow-with-calf system at scale… well, that’s no small thing. It’s a bold step, and it means a lot.
This whole journey didn’t start with some grand plan to change the industry. It started with folk visiting the farm and asking a simple question — “Why take the calves away from their mums?” Those questions stuck.
My late wife, Wilma, and I decided to see if there was another way. Bit by bit, through a fair share of trial and error, we built a cow-with-calf, 100% pasture-fed, low-input system that works — for the cows, for the land, and for the business.
And along the way, we discovered things we never set out to find. The soil got healthier. The cows were calmer. The folk working with them were happier. There was more wildlife in the fields. Turns out, when you work with nature instead of against it, everyone wins, eventually.
We’ve shown you can run a proper, profitable farm without compromising on welfare or the environment. That’s not a pipe dream — it’s happening, and it’s sustainable.
So to you, the graduates: trust your gut, even if the road’s not clear. Be ready to learn, to adapt, and aye, to make the odd mistake. If you care for the land, the animals, and the people, success will follow.
Thank you, SRUC, for this honour, and to all of you heading out into the world, I wish you courage, curiosity, and the sense to follow both your head and your heart.