Gloucester Vale Farm

Gloucester Vale Farm, established in 1963, is an 850-acre mixed dairy and arable farm located on the foothills of Mount Elgon near Kitale, Kenya. The farm has built a reputation for excellence in dairy, crop production, and sustainable agriculture. Operating with regenerative farming methods, Gloucester Vale enhances soil health, water conservation, and biodiversity while reducing dependence on inorganic fertilizers. The farm integrates pasture, planted forests, and arable crops with small-scale projects including raw honey production and coffee farming.

The dairy operation features a predominantly Ayrshire herd, supplemented with Friesians, optimized for high-quality, nutrient-rich milk with excellent flavor and butterfat content. Cows graze on rotational multi-paddock leys, supported by maize silage and hay, promoting both sustainability and animal welfare. Milk is processed in a semi-automated facility, bulk cooled, and supplied to Bio Foods Ltd, ensuring it is free from antibiotics and aflatoxins.

In 1996, Gloucester Vale founded Bubayi Products Ltd, a seed enterprise that supports smallholder farmers by producing and distributing high-yield, resilient bean seed varieties. Bubayi provides training, extension services, and access to certified seed, improving yields and food security for over 550 contracted farmers through initiatives like the Mbegu Plus Project. The company employs up to 250 people seasonally, prioritizing local employment and gender inclusivity.

Through integrated farming, sustainable practices, and community-focused agribusiness initiatives, Gloucester Vale Farm and Bubayi Products combine high-quality dairy and crop production with impactful support for smallholder farmers, advancing both economic and environmental sustainability in Kenya’s agricultural sector.