Higher Skewes Farm on the Lizard is expanding its pastureland from 75 acres to 105 acres, growing its footprint by 40 per cent thanks to support from its bank.

The farm has secured a £230,000 funding package from Lloyds Bank for the expansion.

On average, the business produces 700,000 litres of milk per year from its 100 Irish Friesian cows, selling directly to the UK’s largest producer of dairy products, Arla.

Growing consumer demand for premium locally-sourced dairy products has allowed Higher Skewes Farms to invest in its future milking capacity.

The foraging land bought by Higher Skewes Farm will also ensure the herd is fed sustainably through a mixed grazing system that allows fertiliser usage to be minimised.

The farm business was founded two years ago by Heydon Dark. He said:“Investing in the growth of the farm is a hugely important part of my strategic plans.

“Despite the immediate challenges facing the sector, I need to be thinking long-term and introducing changes now to ensure a successful future.

“The support from Lloyds Bank has been fantastic. They understand how the business works and the competitive sector we operate in.

“Thanks to this guidance, I’ve been able to take the next step towards growing my business and finding ways to secure more income.”

Jeremy Weekes, agricultural relationship manager at Lloyds Bank, said: “Higher Skewes Farm is a perfect example of a small business that embodies the values of British farming.

“Despite being relatively new, it’s brilliant to see the effort that Heydon is making to futureproof the business in what can be a challenging sector, as well as the skills being applied to do so more sustainably.”