TRICKY BUSINESS

PROGRAMME 2: STEVEN MITCHELL

PROGRAMME OUTLINE

00:00 – 04:36

Introduces Steven Mitchell. Explains his decision to reclaim the family farm in Fife and invest in, and breed, a herd of water buffalo. Outlines the challenges that his decision presents and the personal financial risk that he is taking on.

04:37 – 08:24

Steven searches fruitlessly for a bull to complete his breeding herd and some buffalo to source his first meat sales. The death of one of the breeding stock adds to his difficulties.

08:25 – 14:01

Buffalo are in short supply and Steven spends the last of his money on a bull, a couple of animals for slaughter and a packet of buffalo burgers.

14:02 – 18:43

Steven focuses on making money. Already under great stress, he discovers that profits from meat sales will be disappointingly low. In an inspired moment he decides to embark on the high-risk strategy of selling cooked buffalo burgers instead of raw meat. Celebrity chef, Nick Nairn, teaches him how to make gourmet burgers.

18:44 – 23:38

After a slow start, and with a bit of direct marketing, buffalo burger sales take off at Edinburgh Farmers' Market. Sales put Steven well ahead of his business plan and the future of buffalo farming looks bright.