Young farmer earns bank’s backing for future plans

A CORNWALL-based dairy farm is expanding its pastureland by 40 per cent as part of ambitious growth plans, thanks to support from Lloyds Bank.

Higher Skewes Farm, near Helston, has secured a a £230,000 funding package to expand its footprint from 75 acres to 105 acres.

On average, the business produces 700,000 litres of milk per year from its 100 Irish Friesian cows, selling directly to Arla.

Growing consumer demand for premium locally-sourced dairy products has allowed Higher Skewes Farms to invest in its future milking capacity.

The foraging land acquired will also ensure the herd is fed sustainably through a mixed grazing system that allows fertiliser usage to be minimised.

Founded two years ago by Heydon Dark, who was named Young Dairy Farmer of the Year at the recently held British Dairying Cream Awards, the farm is situated on the Lizard peninsula.

Heydon said: “Investing in the growth of the farm is a hugely important part of my strategic plans. Despite the immediate challenges facing the sector, I need to be thinking long-term and introducing changes now to ensure a successful future.

“The support from Lloyds Bank has been fantastic,” he added. “They understand how the business works and the competitive sector we operate in.”

Jeremy Weekes, agricultural relationship manager at Lloyds Bank, said: “Higher Skewes Farm is a perfect example of a small business that embodies the values of British farming. Despite being relatively new, it’s brilliant to see the effort that Heydon is making to futureproof the business in what can be a challenging sector, as well as the skills being applied to do so more sustainably.”