Hayes Meadow – Exbourne, Devon

Graham and Jocelyn Macklin raise Certified Animal Welfare Approved by A Greener World (AGW), beef cattle at Hayes Meadow near Exbourne, Devon.

The Macklins raise Devon Red Ruby beef cattle, a docile, slow-growing breed native to the area. The herd of beef cattle are managed outdoors on pasture 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.

“Our animals are raised similarly to how their native ancestors lived, roaming and grazing natural species-rich grasslands in small herds as part of the ecosystem,” says Graham. “We use holistic land management and planned grazing practices that help to build the plant, insect and wild animal numbers and diversity on our land.”

The beef cattle at Hayes Meadow are also Certified Grassfed by AGW and Certified Non-GMO by AGW. Certified Grassfed by AGW and Certified Non-GMO by AGW are optional, additional accreditations for farmers meeting Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW standards of production, which offer assurance of high-welfare and a 100 percent grassfed feeding protocol and non-GMO feeding protocol, respectively.

Why did Graham and Jocelyn pursue certifications with A Greener World? “We wanted to offer our customers a clear assurance of animal nutrient quality and traceability in a marketplace increasingly full of misleading ‘grassfed meat’ products and claims,” says Graham. “Our environmentally sustainable, slowly matured beef is tender, flavoursome and delicious with all the essences and health benefits you get from animals that naturally graze our diverse wild flower meadows, orchards and ancient pastures. Our cattle are never fed any grains, soya or other manufactured feeds.”

Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW, Certified Grassfed by AGW, Certified Non-GMO by AGW beef, beef charcuterie and tallow skincare products are available for online order with delivery. For more information about Hayes Meadow—or to purchase their products—visit hayesmeadow.com, follow the farm on Facebook and Instagram or contact Graham Macklin at graham@hayesmeadow.com and (+44) 01837 608242.