A new documentary is shedding light on a progressive farming method emerging from the Scottish countryside. 'A Dairy Story', a film by Ian Findlay, focuses on Rainton Farm in Dumfries and Galloway, where owners David and Wilma Finlay have pioneered a 'cow-and-calf' system on a commercial scale. This approach allows calves to remain with their mothers for five to six months, a significant departure from the standard dairy industry practice of separating them just hours after birth.
The Finlays, who have operated an organic farm since the 1990s, are believed to be the first in Europe to implement cow-and-calf farming at this scale. The film showcases the emerald pastures and playful young animals at Rainton Farm, making a compelling case for the benefits of this alternative method. While challenging established dairy farming orthodoxy, which typically prioritises milk yield for human consumption, the documentary suggests that a more compassionate approach can also be sustainable.
The transition was not without its hurdles. During a pilot in 2012, cows initially showed signs of stress due to the unexpected change in routine, resulting in a temporary drop in milk production. However, as the mothers adapted and increased suckling stimulated production, milk yields subsequently rebounded with a 25% increase in later trials. The film argues that traditional intensive milking schedules, often supported by extensive veterinary and crop fertilisation, can have detrimental ecological consequences on the land.
'A Dairy Story' delves into the animal sentience considerations that motivated the Finlays, highlighting how extended time with their mothers allows for individual personalities to flourish and needs to be better acknowledged. While the film is described as a steadfast challenge to industrial agriculture, it does acknowledge that the economic model for this system is still evolving. It also briefly touches upon the fact that Rainton Farm, like many, is a beef-producing outlet, a detail that adds complexity to the 'milk of human kindness' narrative.
The documentary, filled with stunning drone footage, not only champions a more ethical approach to dairy farming but also serves as a poignant tribute to co-owner Wilma Finlay, who sadly passed away last year after a battle with lung cancer. 'A Dairy Story' is available to stream in the UK on independent film platforms and is expected to be considered for various UK film festival awards, including those celebrating documentary filmmaking.