Stamfrey Organic Farms: Musings

As part of a Case Study for my Land Resources Module, my class mates, myself and our lecturer had to visit Stamfrey Farms: Organic (North Yorkshire) to work on a Nutrient Budget for the farm, make recommendations for Slurry management and sustainable food production. The entire trip and time spent on the farm was informative, fun and provocative

So we missed our turn on the major highway and as the co-pilot even Google Maps couldn't help me. We however made it to the farm and a nice time chatting with the owner (Angus) about his farm and farming activities. It was a delight when he mentioned that his late father was a Farm Manager at the University of Ghana Farms - Ghana. Yea!!!! I felt the bond!!!!!!!!.

With a farm size of 116 Hectares and 140 Dairy cows, it is managed by about 5 people. A grazing management method of feeding the cows on paddocks has proven to be very profitable, grass on the paddocks is measured every Monday and data input to a computer software (Agrinet). Agrinet enables the farmer to measure the growth rate of the grass on paddocks and make estimates on grass that can be used for Silage.

1. Education Empowers!: The farmer had information about his production and had data well organised in files. He also employs consultants to advice and work for him when necessary. Outsourcing part of the work so he can concentrate on what he does best.

2. Technology boosts Productivity: The agrinet software tracks and helps to better manage the farm. Reports are readily available and trends can be analysed to make decisions. 

3. Passion and Drive for Problem Solving Important: It is important to have the passion for your business, however the drive to be the solution to a problem is also very important to make your agribusiness a successful one, with the need to feed the worlds population we have to take a critical look at what food is being fed. Note the nutritional and health benefits. 

Did I mention I had the best Clotted cream on the farm? YES! Angus' wife Sue with another worker make Organic Clotted cream and yoghurt for sale. 

So the information collected will be analysed, report written and recommendations will be made. but for now my mates and I have a load of work to complete. I just had to squeeze this one in. 

     Zoe. Dr. Cooper. Banji. Angus (farmer). Akwasi. Paul. Lewis. Sarah. photo credit: Alex

                                                         Banji and A.T (Funky Farmers)

                                                       Man with the best Wellies; Paul

                                                                  Funky Farmer!

                                                                 Milking section

                                                                      Banji and Alex (Funky Farmers)

                                                                      Dairy Cows

                                                   Moooo!!! Cow!

                                                                         Alex and I

"the Best Culture is Agriculture"

Akwasi A. Tagoe