The farm extends to 136 hectares and we grow a variety of arable crops and run an expanding herd of home bred ewes.

Cropping

As part of the farm’s IFM framework, we make every effort to optimise our use of essential inputs. Crops are inspected regularly to determine the appropriate timing and dose of pesticide applications and varieties are chosen for their natural resistance to disease. 

The crop walking takes place regularly, we use an trained person in crop protection from weeds and pests to keep abreast of the latest products. Our approach is ‘if it’s not needed, we don’t use it.’  We follow a traditional seven year rotation of autumn and spring sown crops which helps to prevent the build up of weeds and pests.

We do not always plough before planting the crops, we sometimes just cultivate the top of the soil, these non-inversion tillage techniques, whereby crops are drilled into lightly cultivated stubbles without ploughing, are used wherever possible to maintain soil structure. 

Animal Welfare is top priority

We run a flock of 220 ewes and have plans to expand the flock over the next few years. Good record keeping is central to our livestock enterprise. We follow a Flock Health Plan which we set up a couple of years ago in conjunction with our vet. This simple management calendar helps us to address any health problems and identify potential problem areas.

The sheep graze the permanent pasture and are brought indoors four weeks prior to lambing to well ventilated sheds where they have plenty of access to light and space. The sheep are fed according to their requirements and the number of lambs they carry, using the information from scanning.

The ewes are split up into lambing groups, singles, twins and triplets and great care is taken to ensure there is more than adequate feeding area for each ewe. Replacement animals are bred on the farm creating a "closed flock system" which prevents disease being brought into the flock.  Some of our prime lambs are sold to local restaurants and we are always seeking out other local markets. We run a fully traceable system and are FABBL and Scottish Quality Cereals registered.

Visits

You can visit our farm and enjoy one of our picturesque farm walks where you will see some of the best views in Northumberland and wildlife in abundance.