Tale Valley Farming Partnership – Clyst St Lawrence, Cullompton, UK

Jason Gale and Pete Bowditch raise Certified Animal Welfare Approved by A Greener World (AGW) sheep on 120-acres of pasture around Clyst St Lawrence, Cullompton, United Kingdom. They market their sheep under the Tale Valley Farming Partnership brand.

Since first purchasing a small flock of sheep in 2009, Jason and Pete have grown their flock to 170 ewes. Their flock is made up of a variety of native breed sheep, including Kerry Hills, Lleyns, Greyface Dartmoors, as well as commercial Dorsets. “We have found these breeds to do well on pasture, have good mothering skills and are long lived,” explains Jason. “They are also dual-purpose breeds and have strong markets for breeding.”

The farming practices at Tale Valley Farming Partnership are better for the animals and for the wider environment. “Sheep are meant to eat grass, so pasture-based management was an obvious choice for us,” says Jason. “Traditionally bred lamb fed entirely clovers and herbal leys has many health benefits and tastes better, too.”

Along with outdoor access, Tale Valley Farming Partnership sheep are also raised with the highest welfare standards available, as verified by their Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW certification. “We are thrilled to be certified by a leading certification and food label that the general public will recognise and trust,” says Jason. “Achieving certification by AGW adds credibility to our business, and our customers will know we truly are a high-welfare, extensive, sustainable farm. We’re looking forward to using the Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW logo in our marketing and fully expect it to positively impact our sales.”

The sheep at Tale Valley Farming Partnership 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. “We are proud to raise our sheep in a way that benefits the environment,” explains Jason. “Our goal is to regenerate the grasses and the land, and continue to farm with nature, not against it.”

To learn more and order Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW lamb from Tale Valley Farming Partnership visit their website talevalleyfarming.co.uk or contact the farm at sheep@talevalleyfarming.co.uk and 07973 181540 and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.