Farm welfare organisation backs dairy documentary

A WORLD leading farm animal welfare organisation is supporting a documentary made on a Dumfriesshire farm.

Compassion in World Farming has become an official partner for A Dairy Story, the documentary feature film about Rainton Farm’s pioneering cow-with-calf dairy system.

It follows David and Wilma Finlay who spent two decades developing Europe’s first commercially viable cow-with-calf dairy system. In conventional dairy farms, calves are separated from their mothers within hours of birth, while at Rainton Farm they stay together for six months.

The farm, near Castle Douglas, was previously the home of a Galloway ice cream visitor attraction, and is now known for its artisan cheese, The Ethical Dairy.

As official partner, Compassion in World Farming will support the promotion and distribution of the film.

Spokesman Anthony Field said: “Supporting A Dairy Story feels especially fitting for us, because it shines a light on farmers who are once again challenging the status quo and proving that a more sustainable and compassionate model is possible.

“Rainton Farm’s cow-with-calf system shows the kind of ingenuity and courage our founders championed, and we’re proud to help bring their story to audiences across the world.”

Documentary producer Lorna Young added: “We made this documentary because we believed David and Wilma’s story deserved to be told. The rapid growth in interest in cow-with-calf dairy farming across Europe in recent years suggests this is a new segment of the dairy industry that is quickly gaining traction.

“Working with Compassion in World Farming feels like a natural next step, and we’re pleased to have their support in taking the film to new audiences.”

The partnership comes as A Dairy Story enters a new phase of its distribution campaign with a UK-wide cinema release planned.

It will have its English premiere at Ramsgate International Film & TV Festival on March 28, and it continues to screen at USA film festivals.

For more details about the film and future screening dates visit www.adairystory.com