Director: Ian Findlay / Scotland / 2025 / 78 mins
Producer: Lorna Young
Wilma and David Findlay, dairy farmers in southwest Scotland, risk everything to challenge industry norms around commercial dairy farming, and implement the first large-herd example of cow-with-calf dairy farming on a commercial scale.
Following the whole process from birth to weaning, we see the herd’s profound capacity for maternal care in the sweeping beauty of the Scottish landscape. The couple work tirelessly to transform their farm from industry standard to regenerative. Most radically, by developing progressive approaches to dairy farming that prioritise the welfare of both the dairy cows and their calves.
Facing criticism from peers and industry panels, the path is not always easy. When Wilma receives a terminal cancer diagnosis, their mission to encourage wider industry adoption of cow-with-calf systems takes on new urgency. This film stands as a testament to transformational systems change in action, capturing its challenges, unforeseen outcomes, and moments of pure joy.
A Dairy Story shows how changing a farming system changes everything; from the lives of the animals to the wellbeing of the farmers, and perhaps even the future of dairy farming itself.
We welcome producer Lorna Young and Anthony Field, Head of Compassion in World Farming UK, to introduce the film.
India Thompson will host a Q and A with Lorna and Anthony after the screening.
