We are a family run farm located in Helperby in the Vale of York and have been farming here for 60 years. The third generation, Tom and Joss, have both recently returned from previous careers in the Army to take up the reins. The farming enterprise is based on a traditional mixed system with livestock and arable production working hand in hand. The family also run a soft fruit farm and farm shop a
t Sessay which produces soft fruit from June until August. All our cattle and sheep are cared for to the highest standards in a traditional manner. The sheep are grazed on grass during the Spring and Summer and stubble turnips through the Winter. The ewes are predominantly mules selected for their good mothering, prolificy and large frame. These are tupped by either the traditional Suffolk tup or the continental Texel; both of which produce superb tasting lambs. The cattle are grazed extensively from May to October on the fertile flood plains of the river Swale and spend the wet and cold winter months in the comfort of the fold yards on fresh bedding fed on a diet of home grown barley and straw. Our cattle are predominantly Charollais, Limousin, Aberdeen Angus and Hereford. When the time comes the livestock are slaughtered only 8 miles away and cut up by a local butcher reducing food miles and the stress to the animal pre-slaughter. All beef is hung for three weeks and the lamb 7 days to ensure tenderness and full flavour.
