Dairy farmer ‘disrupter’ turns to crowdfunding to expand

A former engineer says he is aiming to “disrupt” what he refers to as “Big Dairy” on his family farm in Ayrshire, using crowdfunding cash to more than double cow numbers to 100.

Third generation tenant farmer Bryce Cunningham is raising money to increase production at his dairy facility and expand sales into new markets beyond the 250 or more Scottish cafes he already supplies.

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Mossgiel Farm processes its milk in glass bottles and, as such, says it became the first UK dairy to eliminate single-use plastics from its supply chain.

It supplies all schools in East Ayrshire with organic milk in reusable dispensers.

Crowdfunding will allow Mossgiel to increase cow numbers from the current 40, while maintaining its policy of not separating the cow from her calf.

© Mossgiel Farm

‘Kindred spirits’

One of the financial backers is Danny Campbell, a judge on BBC’s Scotland’s Home of the Year and a founder of architecture firm, HOKO.

“I can definitely say that Bryce and I are kindred spirits — we’re both ambitious Scottish entrepreneurs trying to disrupt our respective industries,” said Mr Campbell.

“We know that can make people uncomfortable, but that only strengthens our determination.”

The funds raised will help the farm achieve accreditation to supply national and regional buyers.

“We’ve taken matters into our own hands because venture capitalists only care about plant-based and tech firms, but we believe in dairy’s future,” said Mr Cunningham.

“Investors are not just backing me, they’re investing in a sustainable, ethical dairy industry.”

The dairy is a winner of a BBC Food & Farming “Future Food” Award and a Scottish Food & Drink Excellence Award.

If you are interested in knowing more about the crowdfunding appeal see Mossgiel Crowdcube page.

© Mossgiel Farm