Farming Diversification Case Studies

Streamvale Open Farm first diversified in 1988 with the launch of its Pick Your Own Fruit. Now it hosts a pumpkin patch, children’s discos and an action-packed day out with everything from tractor rides to cuddle time with some of the animals.

Successful farm diversification projects come in many different shapes and sizes. But for two brothers in Northern Ireland, a scale of 1:32 was just perfect, as they hit upon a way of making money through hand-crafted play sets.

For a dairy farmer in North Wales, diversification is a way to protect his farm when times are tough but the biggest project has been renewable energy generation, to lower energy costs and reduce the farm’s impact on the environment.

How a small Scottish farm diversified their traditional herd to include red deer, Belted Galloway cattle, ostriches and emus, with an emphasis on sustainability and quality produce.

After half a century of building Europe's leading producer of fresh bagged salads, farmer Malcolm Isaac turned his hand to winemaking.

The story of Becketts Farm began 85 years ago as a small dairy farm. Now in its third generation of ownership, it has continued to diversify and now houses an award-winning cookery school.

Sat together in a Herefordshire pub, friends and fellow farmers Mark Green and Sean Mason hit upon the idea of working together to make and sell quality crisps with sustainability at the heart of their business.

For Jonny Campbell, launching a premium ice cream business on his family dairy farm in Co. Tyrone, Northern Ireland was a no-brainer – he simply loves top quality, very creamy, ice cream.

Farmers who have successfully diversified will often talk about launching a venture that plays to the strengths of the farm.

Andrew Jones and his family haven’t looked back since deciding to scale back their dairy farm on the North Welsh border.

There’s nothing better than being able to grow food to feed your own animals, which create milk to make cheese from, all on the same site.

Diversification can open up new sources of revenue and offer business opportunities to younger members of the family. Before making any changes, it’s important to consider the tax implications to ensure your family don’t end up with an unexpected tax bill in the future.