A Northumberland farming family has launched its own milk and cream venture in a bid to make the most of its herd of pedigree dairy cattle. The family received funding from Defra's Rural Enterprise Scheme (RES) to get the new business off the ground.
The Pedigree Dairy Shorthorns and Ayrshires have been the lifeblood of the Baynes family farm, near Slaley, Hexham, Northumberland since 1932 and the business is now run by David Baynes and his sons Richard and Paul. However, recently the family decided the time was right to process their own milk - and a stream of customers have already signed up for the milk and cream including local restaurants, tea rooms, farm shops and a local school.
With the help of a RES grant of over £30,000, delivered by the Rural Development Service (RDS), the family has invested in a new purpose-built building, installed milk processing equipment and undergone extensive training to launch their new venture Northumbrian Pedigree Milk & Cream. Building work began in December last year and after gaining approval from their local environmental health department, the family began production last month (May).
Paul Baynes, who is managing the new venture, explained:
"There has not been a better time for locally-produced, farm fresh food. We also wanted to ensure the business was in a position to go into the 21st century with some confidence.
"Processing milk is a whole new direction for our family and we're looking forward to the challenges ahead. We consider ourselves lucky to have this opportunity to develop our business in this positive way."
Karen Purvis, an adviser for the Rural Development Service in the North East, said:
"There is an increasing demand from consumers for locally-produced, farm fresh produce and by taking on the processing element farmers such as the Baynes' are able to maximise their income and ensure a sustainable future for their business.
"Many farmers are already reaping the rewards of processing and selling their own produce direct to consumers through farmers markets and other outlets and consumers benefit by being able to access products with complete traceability."