Pound Farm, based within Holme Lacy College, has enjoyed organic farm status for over 23 years. The farm produces potatoes, wheat, oats, pea and barley mix, beans and cider apples as well as Hereford cattle and Lleyn sheep. Our wonderful, fresh produce supplies local businesses, including Westons, ABP, Abel & Cole and Dovecote, who then supply supermarket giants such as Aldi and Waitrose.
The farm is involved with environmental schemes, including Countryside Stewardship and Higher Level Stewardship. These schemes enhance our production and operations, adding value to our produce and boosting profits. The money made by the fam gets invested back into the development of Holme Lacy College, improving facilities and the experience for our students.
I have spent my whole life farming. I grew up on a farm, and I’ve been at Pound Farm for the last 30 years, 26 as Farm Manager. My day-to-day activities are rarely the same because my tasks vary with the seasons. Winter involves feeding the housed cattle, bagging potatoes for orders and moving sheep for winter grazing. Spring centres around planting cereals and potatoes. Our cows calve from the 25th March and our ewes lamb from the 20th April. In summer, we focus on making silage and hay for winter feeding and moving and worming the lambs. In autumn, we harvest the cereals again in October. In November, we house the cattle to rest in the fields.
The best thing about being organic is that you’re more in control, your decisions matter more, for good or bad. It’s all about looking after the soil, improving organic matter and “leaving the land in good condition”.
Daniel Seaborne – Farm Manager
