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James and Lucy Barclay both come from families where traditional Livestock farming has been an integral part of their lives. It was in 2002 that the family moved from South Lincolnshire to Abbey Farm, Stixwould in the middle of the county. It is difficult to imagine a more beautiful setting.
The farm buildings, which are of traditional Lincolnshire type could not be more ideal for rearing and finishing cattle and pigs. They were not looking at their best in 2002 having been empty of animals for several years so there was considerable work to be done getting them in a fit state to be used again.
Being a site of historical interest it is not possible to house the pigs outside, so the best option was to house them extensively, in large straw filled yards. In the summer of 2003 the first sow arrived at Abbey Farm and now the herd stands at 18 sows and breeding gilts and 120 finishers.
The first three Lincoln Red heifers arrived in the Autumn of 2003 with the idea to form a suckler herd which would be built up over several years. However, the demand for Lincoln Red Beef has grown quickly, so the herd has increased more rapidly than expected to 140 cows, calves and finishing steers. Top quality 75%-100% Lincolns are now being bred and fattened, producing beef of unsurpassed quality with it’s natural marbling of fat being the breed’s greatest asset.
The sheep enterprise started with a mixed assortment of Suffolks, Jacobs, Lincoln Longwools and Southdowns. After a year or two it was decided that it was better to keep the flock entirely Jacob as a result of its excellent quality meat. As a breed they do not finish quickly like a commercial lamb but the end result is far superior. The meat is darker, slightly more gamey and again has a marbling through the meat which like the beef makes it more tender, moist and tasty.
For local customers an exciting new range of traditional frozen ready meals, made from home reared meat, and with vegetables grown by neighbouring farmers within a 15 mile radius. You can’t get much more local than that! They are ideal if you are in a hurry, can be cooked from frozen, are free from preservatives and additives and taste like a proper home cooked meal.
James and Lucy are constantly working to ensure that the quality of the meat they produce is of the highest standard and that their animal’s welfare has to be first class. Customers are always welcome to come and collect their purchases from the farm and should they wish, have a look at the Livestock at the same time. |
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Abbey Farm House
Snow at Stixwould |
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