Tag Archives: farming

News

Respected organic meat manager retires after cutting it at highest level for decades

AFTER cutting it at the highest level for decades a respected meat production manager has stepped down from the role.

Following 17 years at Rhug Estate and many more in the trade – including a spell at London’s famous Smithfield Market – Gary Jones has retired from the industry.

He handed over the reins to Chris Esler, who joined the award-winning business, based near Corwen in North Wales, earlier this year.

Gary plans to return to his native Bedfordshire with wife Debbie – who previously worked as a supervisor in the restaurant and delicatessen at Rhug – and thanked Estate owner Lord Newborough and the team for their support.

“It has been a very eventful, fun and rewarding 17 years but the time is right for me to say goodbye, and with Chris set to take over, the meat production side of the operation is in very good hands,” he said.

“We’ve had our challenges of course, notably the pandemic, but there have been so many positives and I’m proud to have played my part in developing this side of the business, notably when we opened up to the international export markets.”

Gary added: “Debbie and I have been married for more than 45 years so we are looking forward to a new start and to spending more time with our children and grandchildren.

“I am so thankful to Lord Newborough for the opportunity and wish Chris all the very best for the future, I am sure he will enjoy many happy years here, as we have.”

Rhug Estate is recognised as one of the UK’s leading producers of high-quality meats and was appointed a Royal Warrant of Appointment by the now King Charles III for its care of the countryside and high animal welfare standards.

Its Organic Dee Valley Bronze Turkey was a recipient of the 1* Great Taste Award and voted a ‘best buy’ in The Independent newspaper, as well as being featured on the menu at Michelin-starred venues and leading restaurants globally, from London to Singapore.

Having also moved from the south of England to join Rhug Estate, Chris – whose partner Jessica has taken on the role of purchasing manager at the farm shop – was thrilled to join the internationally-renowned farm estate, having worked in the beef sector for more than 10 years.

A former apprentice with ABP food group, he said: “I’m really enjoying the responsibility and it’s very different to my past roles, there is a lot of scope to use my butchery skills and to take Rhug to the next level.

“It’s a new challenge but I’m looking forward to it and wish Gary all the best in his retirement, he has been hugely encouraging and I thank him for all of his support over past months.”

For more news and information including upcoming events, visit www.rhug.co.uk and follow them on social media @rhugestate.

News

Organic farm estate steps into Christmas with series of fun family events

RHUG ESTATE is stepping into Christmas with a series of fun festive events for all the family.

The popular organic farm estate, based near Corwen in North Wales, is celebrating the yuletide holidays with more activities and attractions than ever before.

Father Christmas will pay Lord Newborough and the team a visit on Sunday December 11 for breakfast and afternoon tea at a specially prepared Santa’s Diner.

In between you’ll find him in his grotto handing out gifts to children from across the region.

On Thursday December 15 a carol service will take place at Rhug Chapel, there is to be a Christmas craft fair with local suppliers, artisans, and talented artists on Saturday December 17, and on Sunday December 18 customers can create their own bespoke hamper at the farm estate shop.

This all leads up to one of the most active times of year for Rhug – Friday December 23 – when their award-winning organic turkeys will be available to pick-up, for those who have pre-ordered in advance.

And the doors will also be open on Saturday December 24 from 9am until 4pm for any last-minute Christmas Eve shopping.

Managing Director Amy Coleman is looking forward to the month ahead and said: “It is going to be a very busy period for us, but we can’t wait.

“It will be a breath of fresh air to be able to hold our Christmas events in-person without restrictions for the first time in a while, and to welcome families for the wide range of festive activities we have available.”

She added: “We encourage people to follow our social media channels and visit the website for the latest information and to book in advance, so they don’t miss out on these events.

“There is so much happening – we look forward to seeing you at Rhug Estate soon.”

For more information and to book your place at one of Rhug’s Christmas events, visit www.rhug.co.uk or email emilydavies@rhug.co.uk. Alternatively, call 01490 411 100.

Rhug Estate still has turkeys for sale. They are scheduled for delivery the week commencing December 19 and if pre-ordered for collection will include a free garnish pack.

If you would like your turkey as a Crown, call 01490 413000, email contact@rhug.co.uk or visit the website: www.rhug.co.uk/product/rhug-estate-organic-dee-valley-bronze-turkey

News

Organic farm boss wins entrepreneurship award for success of foraged beauty collection

THE man behind one of the UK’s leading organic farm estates has won a prestigious national award for entrepreneurship.

Lord Robert Newborough, owner of Rhug Estate, near Corwen, picked up the Health and Beauty Entrepreneur Award at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards 2022 Grand Final.

He was selected following the success of their popular Wild Beauty collection, created from natural ingredients foraged on-site.

“I am absolutely thrilled to win the award, it’s testament to our vision to create a high-quality brand centred around the environment and sustainability,” said Lord Newborough.

“Thank you to the judges and especially our hard-working Wild Beauty team, whom I share this with.”

Hannah and Sophie Pycroft from Spectrum Collections were on the judging panel and praised the “exciting” brand, adding: “We particularly enjoyed learning about it came to be, and all of its efforts into sustainability, both on the farm with renewable energy and when manufacturing its products and material choices. The existing retailers are all recognisable brands and the international growth plans seem to be well underway for what sounds to be a very exciting period.”

The Awards, organised in partnership with Starling Bank, recognised the UK’s most inspiring entrepreneurial success stories for a decade and developed a community-oriented network of alumni which grows year on year.

The ceremony was held at Grosvenor House in London and saw 1,400 entrepreneurs and colleagues unite to celebrate a collective £2 billion generated in turnover and over 17,000 jobs.

Great British Entrepreneur Awards founder Francesca James said the 10th anniversary event was the biggest and best yet: “Celebrating Britain’s ambitious, driven, and inspirational entrepreneurs for a decade has been an honour, and we’ve learnt so much from hearing all their unique stories and perspectives.

“The extraordinary circumstances of the last few years have tested the resilience of our business communities, and the challenges were enough to give many entrepreneurs an excuse to give up. Instead, our award winners did the opposite and, through ingenuity, innovation, and the ability to adapt, they thrived.”

Anne Boden MBE, Founder of Starling Bank, headline partner of the Awards, added: “Entrepreneurs up and down the country across so many different industries have shown just how innovative and resilient they have been in these uncertain times. The awards are a celebration of their success – congratulations to all winners.”

Lord Newborough’s accolade comes just days after Wild Beauty won two prizes at the Free From Skincare Awards for its Hand Wash and Lotion Duo Gift Box Set.

The product won the Best Bath and Body category and was named Overall Champion.

To find out more about the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, visit the website: greatbritishentrepreneurawards.com. 

For more information on Wild Beauty, visit www.rhugwildbeauty.com or follow them on social media @rhugwildbeauty.

News

Organic farm in ‘race against time’ to sell turkeys as UK bird flu crisis deepens

THE owner of an award-winning 15,000-acre organic farm issued a stark warning as the crisis in the poultry industry deepens.

As avian flu continues to impact available stocks of birds UK-wide, Lord Newborough – owner of Rhug Estate in North Wales – urged people to secure their Christmas orders well ahead to avoid disappointment.

The UK has lost more than 40% of its free-range turkey flock to bird flu and resulting culls, putting the industry under huge pressure at its most crucial time of the year.

It is the country’s worst-ever outbreak and has left butchers nationwide without supplies as the strain is particularly strong and virulent around turkey and geese.

Lord Newborough encouraged people to order soon and not miss out, and to consider other options such as beef, lamb, and pork when purchasing festive produce.

“Rhug Estate is taking a big gamble to ensure its customers have only the very best turkeys this Christmas,” he said.

“It is nail biting stuff and a race against time for many of us given how rapidly avian flu is spreading, but I believe a fresh turkey must be your first choice – better than one previously frozen – so we will continue as we are and encourage people to order all their meat requirements for the Christmas period in advance.”

Rhug Estate is recognised as one of the UK’s leading producers of high-quality meats and was appointed a Royal Warrant of Appointment by the now King Charles III for its care of the countryside and high animal welfare standards.

Its Organic Dee Valley Bronze Turkey was a recipient of the 1* Great Taste Award and voted a ‘best buy’ in The Independent newspaper, as well as being featured on the menu at Michelin-starred venues and leading restaurants globally, from London to Singapore.

The birds also made the news in past years for the stress-free life they live on the Estate, roaming free range for more than six months ahead of Christmas, feeding on organic farm oats and listening to classical music.

Lord Newborough added: “This was already a very busy time of year and of course one we all look forward to, so it’s such a shame this crisis has spiralled in past weeks.

“But we still have hundreds of turkeys and geese available and are here to support suppliers and customers with whatever they need.”

Turkeys are scheduled for delivery the week commencing December 19 and if pre-ordered for collection will include a free garnish pack.

If you would like your turkey as a Crown, call 01490 413000, email contact@rhug.co.uk or visit the website: www.rhug.co.uk/product/rhug-estate-organic-dee-valley-bronze-turkey

For more news and information including upcoming events, visit www.rhug.co.uk and follow them on social media @rhugestate.

News

Organic farm on hand to supply 1,000+ turkeys as UK faces national shortage this Christmas

AWARD-WINNING Rhug Organic Farm is preparing to serve up Thanksgiving and Christmas cheer for customers nationwide.

Rhug Estate, which covers 12,500 acres from Gwyddelwern to Carrog, North Wales, has more than 1,000 of its acclaimed Organic Dee Valley Bronze Turkeys for sale.

As suppliers and supermarkets face shortages due to an outbreak of bird flu at sites across the UK, Estate owner Lord Newborough revealed they have already secured orders from prominent names in the hospitality sector and see that trend continuing over the coming weeks.

“The current situation is a big concern for the industry as sales have been affected across the country, but we are well placed to cater for customers and also have special offers and events lined up over the festive season,” he said.

“Our turkeys are award-winning and we work hard throughout the year on ensuring the quality is of the highest standard, which means animal welfare is paramount, especially as we come out of the pandemic and given the unprecedented challenges of past years.

“They are already proving popular, and we have received a lot of positive feedback from independent buyers, suppliers and restaurants getting ready for the upcoming Christmas period.”

Rhug Estate is recognised as one of the UK’s leading producers of high-quality meats and was even appointed a Royal Warrant of Appointment by King Charles III for its management of the countryside and high animal welfare standards.

Its Organic Dee Valley Bronze Turkey was a recipient of the 1* Great Taste Award 2019 and voted ‘best buy’ turkey in the The Independent newspaper, as well as being previously featured on the menu at Michelin-starred venues such as The Connaught, Four Seasons, and The Rosewood in London, and restaurants in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Macau.

“We are exceptionally proud of the team for continuing to produce the best quality, organic turkeys, which live free range on the farm in the most spectacular surroundings – our meat can be found on some of the most important menus in the world,” said Lord Newborough.

“We encourage people to get in touch soon if they are looking to purchase – our sales staff are ready to help with whatever you need.”

Turkeys are scheduled for delivery the week commencing December 19 and if pre-ordered for collection will include a free garnish pack.

If you would like your turkey as a Crown, call 01490 413000, email contact@rhug.co.uk or visit the website: www.rhug.co.uk/product/rhug-estate-organic-dee-valley-bronze-turkey

For more news and information including upcoming events, visit www.rhug.co.uk and follow them on social media @rhugestate.

Agriculture, Farming, News

The Oxford Farming Conference extends bursary and scholarship programme for 2023 event.

The 2023 Oxford Farming Conference (OFC) will support more than 40 individuals through bursaries and scholarships offering fully funded tickets, mentoring, and contributions to travel and accommodation.

With a strong focus on networking and social activities, ensuring the event is as inclusive and accessible as possible, these scholarships and bursaries will align with OFC’s charitable objectives. As part of a commitment to inform, challenge and inspire, the opportunities will enable those who may otherwise face social or economic barriers, the ability to experience one of the UK’s leading agricultural events.

Taking place from the 4 to 6 January 2023, the event will focus on “Farming a New Future”, exploring systemic solutions to the cumulative biodiversity, climate, food and energy crises, with optimism and determination not to repeat the mistakes of the past.

Commenting on the scholarships and bursaries, OFC 2023 Chair, Emily Norton said,

“The ongoing successes of the alumni from the Scholars, Emerging Leaders and now Inspire bursary programmes is a testament to the importance of giving the next generation confidence to belong in an environment that can seem remote and intimidating.

“Bursaries widen the pool of talent we can bring into the conversation at Oxford, and give those individuals a chance to inspire us and learn from each other at the conference. After all, the world is run by the people who show up – if these bursaries enable even a handful of curious, innovative and alternative thinkers to have the confidence to contribute even a little bit more, then we stand a chance of creating the future we want.”

OFC Bursary

New this year, the OFC bursary is awarded to individuals who are actively working in the food, farming and agricultural sector, or with an evidenced pathway to enter the industry.

Supported by NFU Mutual Charitable Trust, the Royal Agricultural Society of England, Roythornes Solicitors and Grow Up Farms, successful applicants will receive a fully funded ticket to the conference in January 2023 and can request a contribution to travel and accommodation.

OFC is encouraging applications from individuals who may have recently moved to the UK as a result of conflict overseas.

There are more than 20 bursaries available.

OFC Inspire Programme

The Inspire Programme enables ambitious 18 professionals from across the rural and agri-food sector to attend the OFC for the first time.

Selected on merit, they will receive a fully funded ticket to the conference in January plus accommodation and dinners, a pre-conference event in December 2022, and the opportunity to develop their network and leadership skills, with support from industry bodies and professionals, including programme sponsor TIAH.

Commenting on the initiative, TIAH’s Chief Executive, Janet Swadling said:

“We’re very excited to be sponsoring the OFC Inspire programme once again. TIAH believes in collaboration and networking, opening doors and supporting the next generation to reach their full potential.

“The Inspire programme brings all of these elements together. Last year’s Inspire delegates have been fantastic – throughout this year, we have supported them in a variety of development activities, and they have provided invaluable insight to us as we develop TIAH. We can’t wait to meet the new delegates!”

OFC Scholars

The OFC Scholars Programme aims to give young people the opportunity of peer-to-peer networking and to share views and ideas, while gaining access to key skills development training.

Delivered in partnership with McDonalds UK and Ireland, the 2023 programme includes a 2-day in-person training forum in November 2022, a series of online bespoke webinars, exclusively available to the Scholars, a fully funded ticket to OFC 2023 in January, accommodation, and dinners.

In addition, to celebrate a ten-year partnership between McDonald’s UK and Ireland and OFC, scholars from 2022 and 2023 will be invited to a one-off celebratory event, hosted during the conference.

OFC Breaking Barriers

As part of OFC’s commitment to encouraging and supporting diversity and inclusion, the charity launched the landmark Breaking Barriers Scholarship three years ago.

For 2023, five individuals aged under 30 years old, who identify as Black or Person of Colour (BPOC), and have an interest in the food, farming, and agricultural sector will receive a fully funded ticket to OFC with accommodation and dinners, plus mentoring, pre-conference events and materials such as books, to support their future career journey.

Supported by McDonald’s UK and Ireland, Agriculture & Sustainable, Sourcing Manager, Harriet Wilson explained why they are so passionate about working with OFC.

“There are some big changes coming and the British farming and food industry is having to think differently about how it operates in future. Unfortunately, for many young people today, a career in farming is often misunderstood. We want to challenge those misperceptions and we are keen to help the industry to diversify its talent pool.

That’s why we’re proud to work with the Oxford Farming Conference to provide opportunities for young people from non-agri and diverse backgrounds to attend the 2023 Conference. We hope the Scholarship continues to inspire candidates from any background to consider a future career in the industry.”

How to apply for OFC bursaries and scholarships

To apply for a bursary or scholarship, visit www.ofc.org.uk. Applications close on 30 September 2022.

The OFC Scholar programme is funded by agricultural organisations, who coordinate their own application process and nominations. To fund a scholar, please contact secretariat@ofc.org.uk

News

Production at revolutionary £20m net-zero dairy to begin this summer

THE opening of a revolutionary £20m cheese factory will have a major impact on the Welsh dairy industry for generations to come.

Lesley Griffiths MS, Minister for Rural Affairs, North Wales and Trefnydd paid a visit to Mona Island Dairy on Anglesey and was delighted to see progress made ahead of its unveiling in the coming weeks.

With recruitment for 15 key staff underway and senior management in place, the 25,000 sq ft development is approaching completion and will be capable of producing 7,000 tons of Welsh and continental cheeses every year.

The Minister praised Managing Director Ronald Akkerman and the team for their commitment to building the most innovative and ground-breaking cheese facility in Europe on Welsh soil, supported by a £3m grant from Welsh Government.

She added: “It’s been great to visit Mona Dairy, there is real potential for it to boost our dairy industry.

“As the first zero carbon emissions cheese plant in Europe it is a cutting-edge development with Wales’s food and drink industry once again a leading light.

“I’m delighted the Welsh Government supported this development and we all look forward to its opening this Spring.”

Based on Mona Industrial Park, the net-zero dairy will be powered by renewable energy and raise standards by implementing traditional and cutting-edge methods to manufacture Edam, Gouda, Cheddar, and a range of artisan cheeses using milk from local farms.

Ms Griffiths was joined on a tour of the factory by Mr Akkerman, Chairman David Wynne-Finch, and Dr Graham Jackson.

Production is expected to begin in June, and milk will be sourced from more than 40 Welsh dairy farmers within the first year of opening.

“It was a pleasure to have the Minister with us today and the opportunity to showcase these incredible facilities,” said Mr Akkerman.

“We are on course to open later this Spring as planned and are currently advertising to fill 15 operational roles in the weeks ahead, with a further eight this summer.

“By 2023 we will have a workforce of 100 or more people in place delivering new and innovative methods never seen before in cheese processing.”

He added: “We are already receiving positive feedback and there has been a lot of interest around the opening of Mona Island Dairy from prospective customers, potential job candidates and the food and drink sector, here in the UK and internationally.

“The foundations have been laid and now it’s just a matter of applying the finishing touches and ensuring we have the right people in place, so everything is ready for launch.

“We can’t wait to get started and thank everyone for their support, especially the rural community here on Anglesey.”

For a full list of job vacancies and more information on Mona Island Dairy, visit the website: www.monadairy.com.

News, North of England

Grow It York Brings Vertical Farming to Community Container Park

LettUs Grow, an indoor farming technology provider from Bristol, have teamed up with the University of York, & Spark:York to create “Grow It York”: a vertical, community farm at the heart of a vibrant container park in Piccadilly, York. The container park, called Spark:York, is a Community Interest Company using shipping containers to provide spaces for local restaurants, retailers and entrepreneurs.

The farm forms part of the FixOurFood programme, a leading food systems research collaboration led by the University of York , funded for 5 years through the Transforming UK Food Systems Strategic Priorities Fund. FixOurFood aims to transform Yorkshire food networks and develop regenerative systems that will create a fairer and more sustainable future for food production.

Grow It York is an indoor urban community farm in a shipping container, supplying hyper-local produce to the surrounding businesses and locals. It was built to investigate how vertical farming can play a role in creating positive changes within our food systems, while also benefiting our health, environment and economy.

The project’s mission is to prove that healthy food is about more than nutrition: “Our food must come from a healthy planet supporting biodiversity and vigorous ecosystems. It should enrich the communities where it is grown and eaten, and help local economies to thrive.”

LettUs Grow is supplying the vertical farming technology and their Growing Specialist, Billy Rodgers, is also providing on-site growing training. Billy said, “The Grow It York project has a really interesting range of teams involved. The collaboration between work in technology development, project feasibility research & real-world use of vertically farmed produce is important because food sustainability can’t be addressed by any one thing – you need to look at the whole food supply chain. It’s been really great being able to provide growing training for Grow It York. It’s exciting to see how projects like these can make learning about growing food more accessible to those in cities.”

LettUs Grow’s aeroponic technology is an eco-friendly method of growing crops indoors without soil, with less water and without the need for pesticides. The container farm will grow salad crops such as pea shoots, watercress, microgreens and herbs, which can also be prepared and eaten fresh at the restaurants within Spark:York.

CEO & co-founder of LettUs Grow, Charlie Guy, believes that projects like these are key to maximising the benefits of indoor growing: “It’s exciting to see indoor farming being utilised in this environment because the advantages of growing in such close proximity to consumers are so evidently visible. Whether that’s reducing food miles and food waste, or more holistic benefits such as getting people involved in and excited about growing food locally. Container park communities are a great way to demonstrate the impact of indoor farming on a smaller scale and they really emphasise the potential for this model to be translated across the country at different settings and scales.”