Farming doesn’t really lend itself to neat beginnings and endings. The work rolls on, shaped by weather, animals, and the land itself. But as one year gives way to the next, it feels like the right moment to pause and reflect on what the past year has brought to Farm2Fork, and where we are heading next.
It has been a year that asked a lot of us. One that reinforced why resilience, flexibility, and good systems matter so much in farming. It has also been a year of progress, learning, and small but meaningful wins that only become clear when you stop and look back.
The Rhythm of the Seasons
Spring arrived with the familiar buzz of lambing and the arrival of our poultry chicks. After the stillness of winter, the farm quickly filled with new life. Watching lambs find their feet for the first time never loses its magic, while young chicks grew steadily for the season ahead. Across the farm, cattle and sheep moved onto fresh pasture, grazing diverse grasses and herbs and doing exactly what they are designed to do.
Summer told a very different story. We experienced one of the driest summers in living memory here in East Devon. Grass growth slowed, hay yields were significantly reduced, and every decision around grazing and forage suddenly mattered more. Careful planning and constant observation became essential. While conditions were undoubtedly challenging, our systems proved resilient, and we coped well despite the pressure.
Our poultry enterprise continued to grow and adapt through the year. Chickens, turkeys, and geese lived outdoors on pasture, watched over by our Maremma livestock guardian dogs. Welcoming two new dogs, Ben and Moss, allowed us to manage separate flocks more effectively and increase numbers without compromising welfare. It is a system that takes time and patience, but one that consistently delivers strong bird health and natural behaviour.
Building for the Future
Alongside the day to day farming, this year has also been about putting solid foundations in place. Grant funding supported practical investments, including additional freezer storage and the launch of a new Farm2Fork website. The website is more than just a shop. It is a place to share how we farm, why we farm this way, and to build a closer relationship with the people who eat our food.
We also welcomed many visitors to the farm, from our open day to organised group tours. New interpretation boards help explain our animals, farming systems, and the role they play in caring for the land. Grant support has also enabled baseline habitat and soil surveys across the farm, giving us a clear starting point to measure change and track improvements over time.
Beyond this, the farm continues to evolve in small but meaningful ways. This year we harvested our very first crop of honey from our bees, a satisfying milestone that reflects the wider health and diversity of the farm ecosystem. Fencing and hedgerow planting has also continued steadily, improving livestock management while creating shelter and wildlife corridors.
Looking Ahead
As we look ahead, our focus is not expansion for its own sake, but refinement. Doing what we do well, better. Producing grass fed beef and lamb, and pasture raised chicken, turkey, and goose with care, integrity, and respect for the land.
We are also designing an agroforestry scheme for the farm, introducing carefully placed trees and shelter belts to support livestock welfare, protect soils, boost biodiversity, and help build a more resilient, weather proof farming system. There is also the possibility of introducing pigs in the future, adding another layer to our mixed farming system and allowing us to offer pork to our customers.
Farming is a long game. Every season leaves its mark, even the hard ones. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who supports Farm2Fork. Your support allows us to farm in a way that feels honest and hopeful, and we look forward to continuing that journey together.
Comments (1)
It is comforting to know that the animals enjoyed a natural, peaceful life before joining our plates. Thank you, Ollie and Team, for playing your part in showing that it is possible to reconcile both the welfare of the animals and my conscience as a meat eater.
There is still one very important link to overcome between your farm and my fork: how to manage sensitively the end of life of your animals . I look forward to hearing how you proceed.