Innovative dairy farm leads the way in ethical farming and skills sharing across Mid Wales

As the first cow-with-calf dairy in Wales, founder Sophia has pioneered a model that places animal welfare, mental health, and long-term sustainability at its heart.

Part of the Agri-tech and Food Technology Clusters for Mid and North Wales and supported by New Innovators funding through Innovate UK and additional LEAP* funding via AberInnovation, Dyfi Dairies has grown from a bold idea into a practical, thriving system that others are now keen to follow.

While their farmland is located in Powys, their processing facility lies just over the county border in Ceredigion - a fitting representation of their cross-regional impact. The farm recently secured a lifetime tenancy agreement, offering stability to continue developing and expanding their unique approach.

Unlike conventional models, Dyfi Dairies keeps calves with their mothers, supporting natural behaviours and significantly improving animal welfare. This approach has benefits not only for the animals but also for staff - with founder-led emphasis on mental wellbeing across the board.

Beyond the farm gate, Dyfi Dairies is actively working to upskill others. Through Farming Connect, the founder shares knowledge with peers, helping more farmers convert to this progressive system. Notably, this model allows for milking once a day rather than twice - reducing strain on both animals and people.

Farmers across Wales can also benefit directly from Sophia's expertise - as she is available as a Farming Connect mentor to support others on their journey towards more sustainable, welfare-focused dairy farming.

This isn't just about innovation in technology - it's about innovating mindsets, systems and behaviours in an industry that's central to the rural economy. Dyfi Dairies is proving that sustainable, welfare-led dairy farming can be both practical and profitable - and is leading the way for others to follow.

Businesses interested in joining either the Agri-Tech or Food Technology clusters and staying informed about future funding opportunities can find more information on the Growing Mid Wales website: www.growingmid.wales/AgriTechFoodTech.

*The LEAP funding was made possible through the Dick Lawes Legacy Fund - a charitable fund - which has provided significant support and backing to the project. More information on LEAP can be found on the AberInnovation website.