Breedr launches £10m cashflow fund

A £10m cashflow fund to help farmers purchase inputs without securing borrowing on fixed assets has been launched by livestock data specialists Breedr.

The free Breedr app, which was launched in 2019, now has 4,000 users and over 200,000 registered animals. The fund can be used to free up capital to invest in infrastructure, based on the value of livestock which are being reared on the farm. 

“As a farmer I know that this year we’ve seen huge price inflation, so many are struggling with cashflow, even though beef anad lamb prices are the highest in generations,” says Breedr chief executive Ian Wheal.

Supporting farmers

“We have now raised a £10m fund which we are prepared to lend to farmers who have a track record of recording with us. We want to support all farmers including beef, sheep, new entrants, tenants, growers, finishers and supply chains.”

The app allows for easy recording of weights, movements, breeding information and medicine usage. Easy-to-read analytics enable reports to help farmers improve the efficiency, productivity and profitability of their businesses.

Banks generally only fund against fixed assets like land and buildings., says Mr Wheal. But Breedr recognises that animals are a valuable asset in themselves – and they increase in value every day as they grow.

Beef and sheep producers who have weighed their animals and recorded other basic information about their cattle on the free app are eligible to apply for funding against the value of their animals, says Mr Wheal.

Breedr Cashflow will provide up to 80% of the value of cattle or sheep,including those which a farmer plans to purchase as well as those on farm. A daily flat fee is charged per animal. It is repayable at the point of sale. No periodic payments are required.