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Challacombe Farm in Yelverton, UK farm profile

Challacombe Farm – Yelverton, UK

Mark Owen and Naomi Oakley raise Certified Animal Welfare Approved by A Greener World (AGW) beef cattle and sheep at Challacombe Farm, in Yelverton, United Kingdom.

Challacombe Farm is part of the Duchy of Cornwall estate, and this quiet moorland farm has been inhabited and cultivated for thousands of years. The farm is found in the heart of Dartmoor National Park. “Our goal is to raise our beef cattle and sheep outdoors on pasture, whilst conserving and enhancing the wildlife, landscape and archaeology that makes our farm such a special place,” says Naomi.

The herd of beef cattle (about 60 animals) are mostly Welsh Black. “This is one of the oldest breeds of cattle in the UK and there is evidence that the breed, or its forerunners, existed in Roman times and certainly black cattle have been bred in Wales for over 1,000 years,” explains Mark. “We chose them as they are very well suited to cope for the harsh wet conditions sometimes found on Dartmoor. They are a nice calm breed, so easy for us to handle when needed and are not bothered by people walking through the farm. Although relatively slow growing, they produce very high quality, tasty beef.”

Naomi and Mark also raise around 200 sheep of various breeds including Icelandic, Shetland, Wensleydales and Zwartbles. The sheep at Challacombe Farm are raised for both their beautiful, colourful fleeces and meat. The sheep at Challacombe Farm are rotationally managed, grazing one section of pasture before being moved to fresh fields. This allows grass to recover before animals 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 farming practices at Challacombe Farm are better for the animals and for the wider environment. Along with constant outdoor access, Challacombe Farm sheep and beef cattle are also raised with the highest welfare standards available, as verified by their Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW certification.

Challacombe Farm delivers fresh direct from the butcher within 20 miles, or customers can collect from the farm (fresh or frozen), with payment on delivery. To learn more and order Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW lamb, hogget, mutton, wool, fleeces or beef from Challacombe Farm contact the farm at challacombefarm@gmail.com and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

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