Episode 39: The Ethical Dairy David Finlay - What Is Ethical Dairy?

David Finlay is the owner and co-founder of The Ethical Dairy which he co-founded with his late wife Wilma.

David Finlay is renowned for his innovative and sustainable approach to dairying. As an early adopter of organic farming, he has led the movement in Scotland and the UK, integrating agroecological practices, renewable energy solutions, and forward-thinking dairying systems, such as cow-calf contact dairying. His commitment to sustainability is evident through his work on soil and pasture management, wind turbines, and biodigesters, winning him multiple accolades, including the 2006 BBC Farmer of the Year Award.

TOPICS EXPLORED

0:00 – 0:22 – Introduction

0:22 – 1:08 – David Finlay's bio

1:08 – 1:43 – What is The Ethical Dairy and how did it begin?

1:43 – 2:47 – How did you become interested in sustainable food and agriculture?

2:47 – 3:44 – Why are organic and regenerative farming practices important?

3:44 – 5:20 – How were animals traditionally raised prior to the industrialization of the agriculture industry?

5:20 – 6:04 – How are most dairy farms operated now?

6:04 – 8:17 – What does having an "ethical dairy" mean to you, and how do dairy cows and calves live on your farm?

8:17 – 10:08 – Can you tell me about the book you wrote with your wife and the film about your farm?

10:08 – 12:59 – Why did you make the decision to have calves stay with their mothers and what benefits could there be to farmers who may want to try this?

12:59 – 14:40 – Can you tell me about the EU funded project called Transform Dairy?

14:40 – 17:10 – If other farmers around the world were to try to have an ethical dairy like yours, what steps would you recommend they take to help them on the ethical dairy path?

17:10 – 18:20 – What do you see as the future of ethical and sustainable food and farming?

18:20 – 19:22 – Things to share and wrap up

THE ETHICAL DAIRY CO:

https://theethicaldairy.co.uk/

A DAIRY STORY BOOK:

https://theethicaldairy.co.uk/our-book

A DAIRY STORY FILM:

https://adairystory.com/

RESOURCES

The pioneering dairy farmer keeping calves with their mothers: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly452540dzo

Transform Dairy Net: https://transformdairynet.eu/

FOOD FOR YOU AND THE PLANET PODCAST INFORMATION

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TAGS

Food

Environment

Health

Podcast

Sustainability

Farming

Dairy

Scotland

The Ethical Dairy

Ethical Dairy

Cheesemaking

A Dairy Story