A commitment to producing the most nutritious meat with a grass-fed herd is the key driver for business by a couple on one of Staffordshire County Council’s farm holdings.
Tim and Laura Farmer have managed their holding in Audley near Newcastle for five years. And from the beginning their ethos has been to bring beef, lamb and pork to people’s plates where taste and nutrition are a priority.
We just want to produce food that we would want to eat and that we think people will want to eat – with an emphasis on nutrition, taste and how our herd is reared,” said Tim.
Their business, The Bona Fide Farmers, sees produce sold from the farm gate, with some of the herd being sold at market.
Tim added:
I’m interested in the science of farming – from establishing the right pH and nutrients in the soil to the type of meat that we can produce and dietary elements such as how we metabolise it.
While of course there is a market and choice for all types of meat, we feel that it’s important to provide a grass-fed option and the taste that it brings to the table.”
While Tim grew up on a farm holding in Cheshire, his and Laura’s route into the industry was not a conventional one. They were both full-time nurses up to and into the pandemic, with Laura still occupying a part-time nursing role.
Laura said:
We decided together to take the plunge and apply for the holding, which was done during the pandemic period. While it has been challenging, we do find it rewarding too. We’ve loved being able to show the children what we’re doing and give them the understanding of where our food comes from.”
Laura added education on their farming methods extends to hundreds of children through a Defra schools programme, which has featured visits to the farm from as far as Leicestershire to Cheshire.
Tim said the role of Staffordshire County Council Farms had been pivotal in their journey into agriculture and food production.
Staffordshire County Farms is a credit to the county council and we can’t speak highly enough of them. We’ve invested in the holding and understand how important it is to contribute to its upkeep as this supports the next generation of new farmers, who otherwise would not be able to get a foothold into business.”
On advice to new tenants, Laura added: “It’s hard work and you need some resilience, so it’s really beneficial to connect with other farmers. “We’ve also found ensuring we’re part of the local community has helped.”
WATCH: Tim and Laura talk about their experience as county farmers.
Staffordshire County Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for economy and skills Martin Murray said:
Our county farms tenants are hardworking and committed in what is a challenging business environment, demonstrating again why Staffordshire is the beating heart of the country.
Tim and Laura have shown real passion and commitment and should be proud of what they have achieved in just five years. We’re pleased the estate and county farms team has been there to support them wherever they can.
Our tenancies are highly regarded and sought after. We do have a stringent selection process which ensures the estate remains commercially viable and provides a good return for the county council.
As a largely rural county it is a priority for us to support agricultural enterprise and we’re pleased to be able to do this through our thriving farms estate.
Our tenants represent the future of farming and county farms lay the foundations for the next generation in this sector which is why they are so important.”
Staffordshire County Council has been providing rented farms since 1908, with a focus on stock rearing and dairy provision. The operation was extended after The Land Settlement Act of 1919, which aimed to provide ex-servicemen with opportunities on the land.
Anyone wanting to find out more about Laura and Tim’s business should view The Bona Fide Farmers Facebook page or email: thebonafidefarmers@gmail.com
