It’s a family affair as farmers explore exciting new pastures
They say you should never work with children or animals.
But Alison and Willie Kerr are working with animals – for their children.
The pair, along with son David, 20, and daughter Joanne, 16, won the Family Farming Business of the Year accolade at the British Farming Awards last week.
And the secret of their success? Diversification, innovation – and determination to secure the future of the dairy farm for the fifth generation of the family and beyond.
“We are prepared to fight tooth and nail to save our business because our son is one of the few farming kids who want to take over,” said Alison.
With fluctuating markets, Scottish dairy farms are decreasing in number. In the last 20 years, they’ve dropped by more than 80%. But those who remain continue to work hard and the Kerrs, who run South Corton Farm in Ayr, are one shining example.
Willie, 47, who has worked on the farm since leaving school, and wife Alison took over from Willie’s parents.
After a career in banking, Alison, 47, took on all the farm admin.
But, 14 years ago, after completing a course in horticulture, she added another string to the family’s business bow, opening Corton Nursery.
“We were gifted a polytunnel, so I decided to put my green fingers to the test,” she said.
The seasonal plant nursery, which grew bedding plants, shrubs, perennials and trees, was perfect for the mum-of-two because she could fit it in around the kids.
Over the years, the Kerrs have had an eventful life on the farm and, like many others, are faced with challenging markets.
Three years ago, milk prices hit an all-time low and it proved a worrying time for the Kerrs – and all dairy farmers across the country.
“The markets crashed,” Alison said. “At the lowest ebb, we were being paid less than half the costs of milk production. However, we are eternal optimists.
On David wanting to take over, she said: “Farming kids often go off in another direction and go on to an easier life. But since he was able to pull on his wellies, our son has always wanted to be a farmer, so we knew we had something to fight for.
“We decided to modify our business to give more security during these downturns.”
Willie and Alison toyed with the idea of a coffee shop as it seemed the a natural progression, tied in with the main business of dairy farming.
In April last year, The Coo Shed, a farm and cow-themed cafe, opened.
“In the beginning, we thought if we had 100 people through the door every day, we’d be chuffed,” Alison said. “But it has taken off beyond our expectations. We often joke that we’ve created a monster – and our biggest job is to tame it!”
The Kerrs recognised the importance of innovation.
Wanting to take their milk directly to the public, they launched The Milk Hoose in May.
It houses a milk vending machine, so people can pick up pasteurised milk, fresh from their herd of 220 Holstein Friesians.
And this week, they’re set to open a second vending machine selling freerange eggs and homebaking.
“Our road will be like the M6,” Alison joked. “But it’s great to have found a modern way to bring our produce direct to the customer.”
The family business model works well, with Willie and David out on the farm, Alison heading up the Nursery and The Coo Shed and fifth year pupil Joanne doing shifts in the coffee shop and feeding the cattle after school.
“We all do our bit and make a fantastic team,” Alison said.
“Our days are very busy but we try to make time to spend as a family.
“We eat our meals round the table and, at the end of the day, enjoy watching a movie together.”
As for the future of the farm, Alison is certain it’s in very capable hands.
“David couldn’t wait to leave school and work on the farm,” she said. “We encouraged him to study agriculture at college to gain a wider knowledge of the industry.
“Joanne has spoken about going on to study agriculture or vet nursing.
“For David, it looks like a career in farming is on the cards, and we couldn’t be happier.”