Ernespie Farm has been in the McMiken family for three generations and is currently run on a day-to-day basis by third-generation farmer David McMiken, and with the support of a hardworking team of staff.
The family took on the farm in 1947, changing it to a dairy farm in 1958, and it has been working as one ever since. In 2019, the farm won ‘Agriscot Dairy Farm of the Year’
Ernespie Farm is located in Dumfries & Galloway, just 1.5 miles from the small town of Castle Douglas.
The farm is located in a relatively flat area of ground surrounded by rolling fields. The farm is located 14 miles from the popular Galloway Forest Park.
Ernespie Farm is the Agritourism Monitor Farm for the South of Scotland Enterprise Area.
Ernespie Farm Centre is a tourist destination that was built and opened in July 2019. It was a result of David’s ambition to bring the public on farm for a fun learning experience that would give an insight into dairy farming and be a final tourist destination for customers looking for a high-quality offering of local fresh food. The aim was always to strengthen the existing agricultural business and the local economy by creating jobs and supporting other local businesses.
The business incorporates a 120-seater restaurant running alongside an indoor soft play, gift shop and outdoor play area. A small Garden Centre has been the latest addition to the business- opening in 2021. The business has experienced some turbulent times since opening but despite this has seen visitor numbers grow from zero to circa 70,000 last year. The business employs a team of 30 staff, who are the most important asset to the business and is looking to grow this number as turnover increases.
Ernespie farm currently extends to 700 acres, with 550 being owned and 150 rented. I have a dairy enterprise which produces 3 million litres of milk annually. The highlight of the dairy enterprise was in 2019 when I won Scottish Dairy Farmer of the year. The aim of the dairy has always been to optimise milk production from home grown forage and so 200 acres of arable cropping is grown, primarily winter wheat. All beef cross animals are finished on farm and sold directly to ABP. All field work is carried out by farm staff and so the agricultural business employs five full time members of staff.
During the programme, the Ernespie team will focus on