Alnham Farm

Name:

Harry Sordy

Location:

Alnwick

Farm sectors:

Beef & Lamb

About Alnham Farm

1450 ha of effective land comprising 80 ha of arable land (spring barley, winter barley and winter wheat), 15 ha kale mix, approximately 100 ha of temporary pasture (ryegrass and herbal leys) with the remainder permanent pasture.

This family partnership is located in the Northumberland National Park near Rothbury and ranges from 400 ft to 1350 ft with around ¾ of the farm on hill ground.

Harry and his family applied to be a Monitor Farm because they believed it would provide a fantastic opportunity to grow and develop their business.

It will also provide them with the chance to learn from others including their peers and industry experts.

His priorities within the programme are yet to be decided but he would like to reduce the cost of his suckler herd by potentially out-wintering.

He also wants to ensure the business remains both profitable and efficient post subsidy.

Livestock

240 spring calving Aberdeen Angus x Simmental cows
Cattle are finished at 18–20 months or sold as stores at 10–12 months
Heifers are calved at 24 months
3,000 hill and upland breed ewes
Breed their own replacements
Livestock is marketed both deadweight and liveweight through their local market

Environment schemes

The farm is currently within the Higher Level Stewardship Scheme and is looking to transition to higher tier ELS.

The business is also looking to develop other areas of environmental benefit including forestry.