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Richard Parkes & Juliet Bateman

Ward Farm
Near Craven Arms, Shropshire

Hereford bull at Ward Farm

Ward Farm is some 120 acres, and is run by Richard Parkes and Juliet Bateman. Here they describe their farm:

Ward Farm has been organic for the last 8 years. We have been at the farm for the last 3 years. Our emphasis is on traditional breeds and farming methods.

Hereford cattle at Ward Farm
Cattle
We have 35 single suckler pure Hereford cows which calve in the spring and then graze out on permanent pasture until coming in for the winter months when they are fed our own hay and a small amount of rolled mixed corn from our neighbouring organic farm.

Sheep
We have a flock of 100 ewes which lamb in February and are grazed alongside the cattle.

Pigs
In 2007 we decided to try our hand at pig farming too and acquired 2 Gloucester Old Spot and 2 Berkshire sows, Doris, Freda, Jennifer and Priscilla. These have already produced a fine array of piglets which have been fathered by a Duroc boar, Tommy, owned by a friend who is not only organic but biodynamic. The pigs are great fun and have caused much interest in the village due to their mischievous behaviour. They successfully rotavated our proposed veggie patch but also chose to help a little further by going beyond the fence!! The daffodils are no more.

The Environment
The farm is surrounded by woodland providing a great habitat for various wildlife including deer, foxes, badgers, rabbits, hares and even dormice. We also have a very varied range of bird life including buzzards, kestrels, jays, finches, woodpeckers and nuthatches to name but a few.

Accommodation
We run a Bed & Breakfast business from the farmhouse which has proved a great success and we have had a large number of repeat bookings as our guests enjoy the beautiful scenery and peaceful location. We also have a Camping and Caravanning Club certified site which opened this spring. For more information on the accommodation at Ward Farm, click here.

We are very proud of our animals and are only too happy to show our guests around the farm giving an insight into our farming methods and our belief of kind and considerate animal husbandry.