Alnham Farm

Harry and his family applied to be a Monitor Farm because they believe it will provide a fantastic opportunity to grow and develop their business in these challenging times.

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.

Farm size

1450ha of effective land comprising 80ha of arable land (spring barley, winter barley and winter wheat), 15ha kale mix, approximately 100ha 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 400ft to 1350ft with around ¾ of the farm on hill ground.

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 24months. The farm has a flock of 3000 hill and upland breed ewes. They 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.