All four, one: M&S farmers get collective

Four M&S dairy farmers from Dorset have clubbed together to create a collective buying and accounting system in a bid to cut costs and improve efficiency.

The farmers, all of whom supply M&S through Dairy Crest, will share machinery and staff, operate centralised accounts, and swap best practice ideas.

One of the farmers, Nick Cobb, said pooling resources would allow them to use their total land area more efficiently. “This will reduce our environmental impact and drive sustainability into the heart of our businesses,” he added.