Herons Green Farm – Compton Martin, Somerset

Luke Hasell manages Certified Animal Welfare Approved by A Greener World (AGW) beef cattle and pigs at Herons Green Farm near Compton Martin in Somerset.

The herd of traditional North and South Devon beef cattle is managed outdoors on pasture and range using rotational management—grazing one section of pasture before being moved to fresh fields. This type of management allows grass to recover before cows return to graze again; it also keeps the soil properly fertilised and minimises the build-up of internal parasites, thereby avoiding reliance on chemical treatments. The beef cattle are also Certified Grassfed by AGW, an optional, additional accreditation for farmers meeting Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW standards of production which offers assurance of high-welfare and a 100 percent grassfed feeding protocol.

The pigs at Herons Green Farm are also raised outdoors on pasture where they are free to root and forage as pigs naturally do. This high-welfare management is a fundamental component of AGW certification and is known to have environmental, nutritional and culinary benefits.

The pigs and beef cattle at Herons Green Farm are also Certified Non-GMO by AGW. This certification is an optional, additional accreditation for farmers meeting Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW standards of production and offer ISO-accredited assurance of high-welfare and non-GMO farming practices.

Sustainability is a foundation to Luke’s farming practices: “We aim to farm as sustainably as possible and our land is carefully managed to enhance the environment for future generations,” he says. “We manage around 500 acres in an environmentally friendly way here in the Chew Valley, including a conservation grazing agreement with the National Trust at Leigh Woods on the outskirts of Bristol. We’ve planted 40 acres of native broadleaf trees, creating a stunning forest overlooking Chew Valley lake, which encourages new wildlife spotting barn owls and many deer.”

“All of our animals are reared ethically and organically. The beef is traditionally hung and results in high-quality, tender meat with delicious depth of flavour. The pork is also fabulous – a completely different eating experience to ‘conventional’ supermarket pork,” Luke adds. “I just want to make the future a little brighter for the next generation, for our kids to eat healthier and to encourage farming in a more sustainable way.”

Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW, Grassfed by AGW and Non-GMO by AGW beef along with Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW, Non-GMO by AGW pork from Herons Green Farm are available for wholesale purchase (along with delivery) through The Story Group and to the public through the Meatbox (Bristol) shop, Blagdon Butchers, Worle Village Butchers, as well as via national delivery from the online retailer, Meatbox. Check the AGW directory for details. For more information about Herons Green Farm, contact Luke Hasell at luke@thestorygroup.co.uk and follow them on Facebook.