David vs. Goliath: Mossgiel seeks kindness to battle big dairy

Mossgiel Farm is fundraising to create a cutting-edge, zero-waste dairy facility that will double its production capacity and expand its reach, particularly into new markets like London.

With weeks left to go, owner Bryce Cunningham continues his push towards the £300,000 target, which is part of a larger £900,000 investment series.

The campaign received a boost thanks to backing by Danny Campbell, a judge on BBC’s Scotland’s Home of the Year and founder of fast-growing architecture firm HOKO. In a video filmed at the farm, Campbell humorously explores Mossgiel’s design and sustainability efforts, praising the farm despite his Crocs getting stuck in a cowpat. Campbell, who raised more than £500,000 through HOKO’s crowdfunding campaign, said: “Despite getting my favourite Crocs stuck in a cowpat, I was buzzing after my visit to Mossgiel Farm. I can definitely say that Bryce and I are kindred spirits – we’re both ambitious Scottish entrepreneurs trying to disrupt our respective industries. We know that can make people uncomfortable, but that only strengthens our determination.

“When I’m sitting at the breakfast table with my sons, I’m much happier knowing I’ve chosen milk that’s natural, organic, and free from harmful practices, rather than a plastic bottle from the supermarket full of nonsense.

“Seeing first-hand how Bryce has transformed Mossgiel – eliminating single-use plastics, reintroducing glass bottles, and allowing cows to raise their calves naturally – it’s clear this is a David vs Goliath story people can get behind.

“No matter the setbacks, Bryce is driven by a purpose that goes beyond profit. As an entrepreneur, you need that because it can be pretty bleak at times. It will be my first investment in another company.”

Just eight years after he returned to the family farm when both his father and grandfather were diagnosed with terminal illnesses, Cunningham has transformed Mossgiel from a traditional dairy into a leader in sustainable agriculture.

In 2019, the farm became the first UK dairy to eliminate single-use plastics from its supply chain, replacing plastic bottles with glass. Bryce, a former Mercedes Benz engineer, has also developed a pioneering low-temperature milk brewing process to preserve natural flavour, and Mossgiel’s traditional ‘cream top’ resulting in fresher, full-bodied flavour with every pour. The farm’s points of difference have led to partnerships with more than 250 cafes across Scotland, contributing to a turnover of £2m and year-over-year growth of 30%.

Mossgiel holds the contract to supply all East Ayrshire schools with organic milk, delivered in reusable dispensers that eliminate plastic waste.

The crowdfunding campaign will allow Mossgiel to increase its herd from 40 to 100 cows – but it will do so while maintaining the ethical and sustainable practices it has become recognised for.

Mossgiel also runs on renewable energy with a biomass heater, solar panels, and electric vehicles helping to minimise the farm’s carbon footprint. To support its mission to become zero waste, bottle seals are made from plant cellulose, require no heat to apply, and compost fully within four months in home compost bins.

Mossgiel is just as committed to animal welfare – its trademarked Cow with Calf™ programme allows cows to raise their calves naturally, rejecting early calf separation which is standard in the industry.

Bryce’s commitment to sustainable practices has not only transformed the farm and earned significant support, but has also earned Mossgiel several prestigious awards, such as the BBC Food & Farming Award and a Scottish Food & Drink Excellence Award, which celebrate the farm’s leadership in ethical dairy production.

Mossgiel’s new zero-waste facility, which will be situated on land where Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns, once ploughed the fields, will enable the farm to meet increasing demand while remaining transparent and maintaining its sustainable practices. The funds raised will also help the farm achieve SALSA accreditation, which will enable Mossgiel to supply its products to national and regional buyers. As demand for sustainable food products grows, Cunningham hopes to see Mossgiel lead the charge in transforming the dairy industry for the better.

Bryce said: “This isn’t just milk – it’s a movement. We’ve taken matters into our own hands because venture capitalists only care about plant-based and tech firms, but we believe in dairy’s future. Investors are not just backing me; they’re investing in a sustainable, ethical dairy industry. This crowdfund is about more than growth – it’s about restoring trust and bringing real, healthy milk back to people’s fridges.

“We are inviting anyone to come see what we’re doing to come to the farm because we have nothing to hide. Our practices are built around respecting cows, the land, and people. We’re taking the fight to big dairy so we can end their exploitative practices, creating a better future for farmers and milk drinkers alike.”

For the next four weeks, Bryce will host tours of the farm at 10am each day for potential investors. To register interest, email moo@mossgielfarm.co.uk.

For more information on Mossgiel’s crowdfunder, visit their Crowdcube page here: www.crowdcube.com/companies/mossgiel/pitches/lKn1Dq