Waveney farm breaks the mould with launch of Bungay Raw Butter

With dairy farmers facing ever-tighter margins, many continue to look for innovative ways to add value to their product.

One Suffolk farm, which is already known for its successful diversification into raw milk and cheese, is continuing to seek new markets by launching its own butter.

Fen Farm Dairy, nestled in the marshlands of the Waveney River Valley, began selling Bungay Raw Butter at the Aldeburgh Food and Drink Festival in September. Jonny Crickmore, who has been working on his father Graham's farm, near Bungay, since 1996, said: 'Since then, it's started to be noticed.

'Neals Yard Dairy in London are buying 160 packs a time from us. Locally we are getting delis and farm shops now stocking it - mostly by word of mouth.'

The family farm produces its offerings from a herd of 300 Montbeliarde and Friesian cows.

Mr Crickmore, 35, said: 'It all leads back to the cows. Everything comes from one herd, which gives us our unique flavour.

'The butter has been a bit of a learning process for us. We are making a product that is artisan and handmade.'

Mr Crickmore said it takes his team up to eight hours to pack 200 boxes of butter.

'We are doing something unique,' he said. 'It's quite exciting because no one else in Suffolk makes butter and Suffolk was famous for butter back in the day.'

Retailing at £4.50 for 250g, Bungay Raw Butter is available from the farm's on-site shop –which also hosts vending machines dispensing raw milk, butter and cheese – as well as via its online shop.

Is your farm business considering diversifying? Contact kate.royall@archant.co.uk.