December 2017 The Northern Farmer 23 Fresh approach could be key to sustainable future EWCOMERS to farming David and CONFIDENT IN FUTURE Bekka Corrie-Close Jennifer MacKenzie speaks are establishing Nthemselves as produc- to newcomers to farming about er-retailers through hard work their extensive method of beef and determination. Looking at the agricultural production with native breeds. industry through fresh eyes, they believe that their exten- lot of extensive conservation just around the corner,” said sive approach to beef produc- grazing for environmental or- David who is a steering group tion using native breeds could ganisations, and that was my member of the Nature Friendly hold a key to sustainability in introduction to farming. I also Farming Network along with the future post-Brexit and the worked with more convention- Yorkshire producer Neil Hes- forthcoming agricultural bill. al farmers,” said David. eltine in Malham. The couple, who are both “This type of farming “I’m convinced that all farm- from Cheshire, moved to Cum- seemed to me to be so much ers can farm with nature and bria five years ago. Bekka has more sustainable and, funda- that is the way forward. It is a degree in zoology and works mentally, more enjoyable, and the various market pressures full-time for South Cumbria it pretty easily convinced us and agricultural policies that Rivers Trust while David did that was the way we wanted to have made them compromise. UP CLOSE: Bekka and David Corrie-Close with one of their English Longhorns several jobs after quitting his be involved with farming,” he “It’s now down to the farm- degree course but knowing he added. ers to lead the way in how they son for five years while he and ed pasture, David and Bekka Lindale, Grange-over-Sands. wanted to be involved with the “I strongly believe that the manage the soil and water. Bekka acquired some land of had the land rent-free. Most of it is within five miles countryside like Bekka. way we are farming now has We’re becoming increasingly their own and bought some Now, more than five years of home, and none of the land “I got an apprenticeship with a bright future and in terms aware that conservation organ- . on, the couple are running just is owned but leased from or- Bill Grayson, an organic beef of realising that, things need isations often get the language The 50 acres was owned by over 80 cattle on various acre- ganisations including Cumbria and producer who farms to change at a policy level in wrong when communicating a private landlord as an invest- ages of land totalling around Wildlife Trust, the National in the Arnside and Silverdale the run-up to Brexit and the with farmers.” ment and, in turn for the con- 500 acres within a 20-mile Trust and the RSPB. area and is involved with a new agricultural bill which is David worked for Mr Gray- servation grazing of the wood- radius of where they live in n Turn to page 24 24 The Northern Farmer December 2017 LIVESTOCK ‘All farmers can farm with nature’

AN EXTENSIVE APPROACH: Horned Beef Company - the ones on the right are at Fell Foot, where they are grazing for the National Trust n From page 23 Steaks, roasting joints, diced we bought first and it happens quantities of these tradition- “A farm business tenancy on a farm in the Lake District. The Horned Beef Compa- beef and mince are sold in 5kg that it is the animal we still al breeds. They are run with is our next goal which would In the meantime it’s about ny was formed in September boxes fresh to customers on a prefer as we think they thrive the Shetland and Whitebred help us really make some pro- demonstrating that this is a 2015 with investors putting mailing list set up via the com- better than the other native bull,” he added. gress. farming business that’s going up £1,000 each and receiving pany’s Facebook page. breeds. Inputs are low, with the only “We’re ready for it and we places but equally demonstrat- a dividend each year in beef By the end of 2017 eight They are easily managed feed being blocks to the dry have gone past the point of no ing that we have the right atti- and, in turn, allowing the cou- finished cattle will have been and they don’t poach the land cows in the winter and some return. tude to be farming land for the ple to raise £20,000 in capital. sold during the year which is when they are outwintered, concentrate as a ‘bribe’ when “My feeling is the most like- trust.” Just over a year ago the first what the system can currently which most of our animals handling and moving the cat- ly landlord would be the Na- A welcome boost to the en- cattle finished entirely off cope with. are,” said David. tle. tional Trust and ideally in this terprise this year was a bursa- grass were slaughtered at 36 to This year, 25 cows will have “We have Shetlands, Long- This year for the first time area where we are based and ry from the Princes Country- 48 months old at two local ab- calved in both the spring and horns, Dexters, Galloways and the calves are being housed have established a lot of con- side Fund sponsored by Land attoirs Airey’s and Denney’s the autumn, the rest of the cat- and the reason on a bed and breakfast basis tacts,” said David. Rover as one of five people and butchered by Craikside tle are followers. we have such a mix is that we locally to help them get a good “I’m very optimistic there to receive a Discovery for 12 Meats. “The Shetland was the breed find it difficult to buy large start. will be an opportunity to take months’ use.