Dorset sheep, pigs and beef cattle play an integral part in helping the sustainability of intensive vegetable production for a farming enterprise in Suffolk.
Wantisden Hall Farms on the North Sea coast near Woodbridge, farms 1,351ha of predominantly arable land, of which 768ha is owned and the re-mainder is contract farmed.
Jemima Jones shares a passion for livestock with her parents Martyn and Jane and she is now heavily involved with the day to day running of Corntown Estates, Bridgend in South Wales. The farm runs to almost 600 acres in The Vale of Glamorgan and Poll Dorset sheep have been integral to the operation and a favourite with the family for more than two decades - and now the breed is set to play an even bigger role.
Sam Driver is part of a large scale family farming enterprise based between Derbyshire and Cheshire. Sam’s grandfather, Stanley, first came to Sandy Lane Farm, Glossop, Derbyshire in 1942 when the farm comprised of only 28 acres. It is fair to say that through hard work, dedication and an enthusiasm for one breed of sheep in particular things have grown considerably!
Dorset Horn and Poll Dorset sheep have played an integral part in the development of this farming dynasty which now includes Stanley, Sam’s father Johnie, uncle Roy and cousin Josh. Unbelievably Sandy Lane Farm now includes 500 acres with a further 1,500 acres of rented land. Apart from a small quantity of fodder crops, it is all grass at a height of between 120 and 365 metres (450 to 1200ft).
Flexible Poll Dorset ewes are allowing a Cumbrian farming couple to cut their flock numbers by half, yet still produce a similar number of lambs. Mark and Karen Hodgson farm two tenanted holdings in West Cumbria - the hill farm Wasdale Head Hall and Pickett How, Egremont, 18 miles away.
Poll Dorset sired lambs out of Perendale ewes have fared well on a Dorset marginal farm despite recent unpredictable summer weather.
Poll Dorset sheep fit into the ‘back to basics’ policy and have paid off for Somerset sheep producer Geof Davey. The easily managed and adaptable breed is paying its way for Geof and his partner Sarah who are helped by their daughters, Abigail, 11, and Olivia, seven, at Bridge Farm, Shepton Mallet, a lowland grass unit in the Mendip Hills.
