The Ethical Dairy Farm Tour

This farm tour is led personally by our farmer David Finlay who has pioneered cow-with-calf dairy farming on our farm, harnessing natural systems and using agroecological principles.

You will go on a walking tour of our farm and you’ll have the opportunity to meet the cows and their calves. You will hear an explanation of our farming system and how our approach differs from conventional dairy farming. David will explain what soil carbon sequestration is, and why our farm is climate positive. He will also talk about the ecology of our farm, and the increase we've seen in biodiversity. The discussion topics will be informed by the interests of attendees and you will be free to ask questions throughout this event.

While this event is designed to take 2 hours, if there are lots of questions it can - and often does - run on longer. We find that people participating in this event tend to have specific areas of interest and often ask very thought provoking questions that lead to fascinating group discussions. David is keen that this event is participatory and responsive to the interests of participants. 

"This tour has been a formative moment in my life."  Anthony Sergeant, Veterinary Surgeon MRCVS

"This was a truly inspiring insight into a farm and farmer who are providing solutions and alternatives to unsustainable modern dairy. I felt I was given a huge amount of information but also, even more importantly, I was given hope that alternatives are possible."  Rona Munro

"If you are interested in where your food comes from and why it matters then you will find this tour fascinating and informative! Farmer David has an easy, natural way with words and the tour is just the right length to be in-depth and interesting for all."  Laurence Heron

Please remember that minimising stress to the animals on our farm is a priority, therefore anyone being disruptive or causing stress to the animals on the farm will be asked to leave immediately.

Background

Unlike almost every other dairy farm in the world, we have stopped taking calves away from their mothers shortly after birth.  We now leave the calves - including the male calves - with their mum to suckle naturally.  It means we get less milk, but also less stress. Less stress means a better life for the cows, their calves and for the people who work with them, and our system has a host of environmental benefits too.

We are the largest farm in the UK using this ‘cow-with-calf’ system and, after a three year trial, we committed to this system permanently in 2019.  We are also keen to share our experience and our learning with members of the public, policy makers and other farmers. 

Group Visits

This event is very well suited to organised group visits for educational or special interest reasons. If you would like to arrange an exclusive group visit, please email hello@theethicaldairy.co.uk or phone us on 01557 814343 to make arrangements.