Dartmoor Farmers meat venture grows and learns

摘要

With the benefit of hindsight, launching a new direct meat sales business in 2008 could not have been worse timing. The country was on the brink of recession and cattle prices were set to reach record high levels. The determination of these farmers has ensured that, four years on, they are not only still in business but thriving. "When we started out we thought it was a brilliant idea, and business was going to fly in," says director Andy Bradford. "But it is a very competitive marketplace, and you can't expect to rule the world in four years. "I think we've reached a real milestone - weVe learnt a lot and have a better understanding of the supply chain and the costs of processing and marketing your own meat. It's given our members great pride in what they are doing, and it's nice to have some control over your own destiny."