Farm to fridge
The organic farming methods that Emma and I use on our farm are really quite traditional. These also follow the high organic standards relating to all aspects of animal wellbeing (like rearing, feeding, shelter, transportation and slaughter), as well as for organic food production. There are rigorous annual inspections but the most important thing for us is that our animals are spoilt rotten! After all, if we’re using animals for food we want them to have the best care and the most natural life possible.
Here’s a glimpse into our life and how organic food gets from our farm to your fridge!
We grow all our own natural animal feed
Our summer pasture grass is rich in protein, thanks to the clover that naturally grows there, and our winter hay is something we’re very proud of. It’s produced from our traditional hay meadows, which are bursting with different flora content.
Although we have to import a little cereal feed – because we are at a higher altitude and on a boulder clay base that was deposited during the last ice age – we only source from a dedicated organic feed mill.
Conditions that suit their natural behaviour
As well as strict feed guidelines, we allow our animals an outdoor, free-range life and find that a relaxed approach works best. Our milk herd spends as much time as possible out at pasture (even in winter). The breeds we farm are slow growing for a fuller life, and we think that is why they taste great.
Because we only use medicines if absolutely necessary, we rely on a rich grassland diet to help keep the animals healthy. Our cows often graze a certain area of the farm searching for a particular herb or grass they like.
Our daily routine
Our daily routine changes dependent on the time of year, but it always starts with milking the cows and feeding the pigs. Once everything is clean, fed and watered we sit down to bacon and eggs (our own naturally) and a large pot of tea!
Winter is often hardest with the cold weather meaning more animals are dependent for feed and care. Lambing time is a welcome distraction, knowing that spring is just around
the corner...
To the shops
Our organic milk is collected from the farm and quickly delivered for processing to ensure it is as fresh as possible. It’s naturally higher in Omega 3 and getting it to your fridge in the shortest possible time is a priority.
Our pork, lamb and beef are sold direct from our dedicated butcher’s shop = fresh meat with minimal food miles, sold locally!
Meet farmer Ian
Ian and his wife Emma manage their own organic farm on which they rear a variety of animals including pigs, sheep and cattle. Ian and Emma are passionate about organic food and farming. They believe using a combination of traditional and organic farming methods ensures they produce high quality organic foods while caring for the environment and wellbeing of their animals. You can read more about day to day life of Ian and Emma in the "Farm to Fridge" feature.
Reasons to love organic
Better for nature
Organic food is grown and farmed in a way that is kinder to nature and
the environment.
High animal welfare
With plenty of space and fresh air to thrive and grow, organic animals are happier animals.
Tell me moreMore natural food
Organic means no GM crops and fewer artificial pesticides, no hydrogenated fats and
fewer additives.
Latest reasons to love organic:
- becky, its worth paying for!
- alexander, sustainability
- jenny, lack of chemicals and health reasons!
- Lauren Manning, Because it's better for you.
- ellie ashcroft, knowing where your food has come from!
- Cassy, Way forward for our planet
- chris gardner, its pure and simple!
- Jeremy Food, my wife insists on buying local and organic. also, we have an allotment.
- robyn james, less chemicals in my food!
- rebecca freeman, more natural
