Five new farmers join the Strategic Farms project

Five sheep farms from across England have joined AHDB’s successful Strategic Farms programme this month.

Operating a variety of different systems, the new Strategic Farmers are:

• Neil Brown, New House Farm, Ludlow
• Richard Carruthers, Rawfoot, Penrith
• Adrian Coombe, Dupath Farm, Cornwall
• Chris Elkington, The Brambles, Grantham
• Steven Lawson, South Farm, Newcastle Upon Tyne

Joseph Keating, senior knowledge exchange manager at AHDB, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome our new farms on board. We had a large number of applicants this year and it was really difficult to choose only five to participate in the two-year programme.

“We began the project in 2017 and over the past two years we’ve worked with 11 farms which have all seen some great successes around implementing best practice, resulting in improved financial performance. As part of the programme we also engaged directly with thousands of levy payers through the on-farm events.”

Good results

Richard Carruthers said: “I’m thrilled to have been chosen to take part in the project. I’ve been making changes to the way the farm operates over the past five years and have seen some good results especially with rotational grazing.

“I now feel the business is ready to introduce bigger changes and am looking for new ideas from AHDB and from other farmers in the region. Having support from the Strategic Farm network will help me implement best practice and I look forward to hearing other peoples’ views and experiences of livestock farming.”

Joseph added: “The first round of events for the new farms will take place from October and over the next two years we will focus on key areas of the business including: breeding, health, grassland management and financial performance. The events are an excellent opportunity for farmers to learn from the Strategic Farm programme and share their own experiences and I would encourage all levy payers to attend.”

The Strategic Farms' launch events are happening soon and are free to attend for all levy-payers. For more information, or to book your place, visit the links below.