Sandy Boulanger & Nigel Dodman
Warren Farm, Radnorshire
The Farm
The Warren is a 40 acre upland farm situated 1200 ft above sea level in the Radnor Forest Environmentally Sensitive Area (E.S.A.).The farm has been filly organic for 12 years and the sheep and cattle are grazed on pastures containing a mixture of native grasses, clovers and herbs.
The Sheep
The sheep are a mixture of Radnor Forest an Lleyn ewes with Lleyn and Texel rams. These breeds suit this environment perfectly, and can be kept outdoors all year round, even at lambing time which takes place in late April to coincide with Spring grass growth. All lambs are finished at grass and the owners pride themselves on the high health status of all their animals. This is largely due to the fact that the herd and flock are closed (no animals are bought in), stocking densities are low and food quality is high.
The Cattle
The cattle are a mixture of Longhorn, Welsh Black and Angus crossed with beef bulls. The cows calve outdoors in May and June, and the calves are weaned in November at housing time. During the winter the cattle are fed home grown hay and haylage, supplemented with a small amount of organic barley. The aim is to sell bullocks at 2 to 2.5 years of age, and heifers as in-calf breeding animals at the same age.
The farm is run on a day to day basis by Sandy Boulanger, with the help of her partner Nigel Dodman who is also a fulltime veterinary surgeon, with a special interest in complementary medicine.
Electricity
One unique feature of the farm is that it is self-sufficient in electricity production from a wind turbine and a bank of photovoltaic panels. These provide enough electricity to supply both the farmhouse and the farm buildings, with surplus used in extra heating for the house. the Warren has never had mains electricity, but has in the past relied on a diesel generator.
