Thorabella near Dallas named ‘Diversified Farm of the Year 2025’at Scottish Agriculture Awards

A popular buffalo-rearing business founded in 2017 that continues to evolve has won national recognition.

Thorabella near Dallas was named ‘Diversified Farm of the Year 2025’ in front of 600 guests at the Scottish Agriculture Awards ceremony in the Double Tree Hilton Hotel in Glasgow.

Owners Ollie and Nikki Lake were thrilled to accept the accolade while celebrating the people, businesses and innovations driving Scottish farming.

Ollie said: “We were up against the amazing Solsgirth Farm in Dollar as well as Kitchen Coos and Ewes at Newton Stewart so we couldn't believe it when our name was called!

“It was a fantastic feeling to be recognised for all our hard work and dedication.”

The couple married in Dallas and soon afterwards bought a flock of sheep. They moved into Dallas village, renting a three acre field for two horses, pigs to rear for meat for their family, ducks and chickens for eggs, and goats.

They bought Blackmyre Farm and outbuildings in 2017, renaming it Thorabella after relatives, and adding buffalo and Highland cows to their 47 acres of land.

Buffalo meat is lean, high in protein and iron, as well as low in calories and cholesterol. The Lakes started with just three pregnant cows and a young bull - they now own a sizable herd.

They also planted 1200 metres of hedgerows and 4500 native tree plantation to offer shelter, forage and soil stability for the animals.

“We started by selling meat boxes to friends and family,” said Nikki. “Soon this grew to selling other products. As we progressed with our milking Jersey cows, we took in other products to sell, supporting other local producers.”

The site now features a farm shop and tour for visitors to get closer to the animals that also include wallabies, Kunekune pigs, rabbits, and bees.

Ollie said: “In February, we started our new venture: a purpose-built barn and animal walkaround paddocks so people can see everything from emus to peacocks … And even Capybara!”

He added: “Our strawbale accommodation was built in 2021, allowing folk to stay, surrounded by the animals.”

Ollie and Nikki added catering unit ‘The Buffalo Bite’ at the start of the summer holidays, offering their own burgers, loaded fries and milkshakes.

“We have had a super summer and successful October holidays,” said Nikki. “We’re now looking forward to our Christmas event.

“However, our customers stock up every week. It makes us proud to see them coming back so regularly.”

The pair were proud to be honoured at the Scottish Agriculture Awards for adapting and innovating in a time of unpredictable markets and shifting governmental farming policy.

They plan to keep improving their business and thank their customers for their continued support.

“We wouldn't be here without them,” finished Ollie. “We are always planning the next step to offer an even better experience for our visitors.”

For more information visit https://www.thorabellabuffalo.co.uk/