Showing hope to other first-generation farmers

Jack and his wife Rhian are first-generation farmers in their second year of a farm tenancy.  They have the first herd of water buffalo in Cornwall with 3,000 laying ducks supporting their innovative enterprise. And it is this novel approach to farming which saw Jack feature, with Rhian, on an episode of Cornish Mutual’s Farming Focus™ podcast. 

Standing out from the crowd

“As new entrants, we needed to do something different to stand out,” said Jack. “We had to take some risks as nothing comes for free, but we stuck at it and didn’t give up.”

Having started with just a few sheep, he alternates between wondering what he’s done and feeling proud of what they’ve achieved, while immensely grateful to their landlords for giving them the chance to do it and ongoing support of family and friends. 

The financial viability of the growing business is further strengthened by Jack and Rhian both working off farm, although they hope to reduce this commitment as the farm grows. And it’s easy to see why.

Currently, 1,500 eggs a day are collected and washed as well as the livestock needing to be checked and fed on top of a day’s work elsewhere, with other farm jobs concertinaed into the weekends.  

Environmental stewardship

The farm is in a countryside stewardship scheme, reflecting the importance of environmental management to Jack. The buffalo are fed entirely on homegrown forage, manure produced by the ducks and during the housed period replaces the need for bought-in nitrogen fertiliser and hedges are only trimmed every three years.  

By using a grazing system and not pushing the buffalo, which are naturally slow growing, it’ll be another year before they are able to start selling any animals, the calves having been born in December 2024. But with the egg business supporting the livestock operation, this is built into Jack’s business plan and reflects his commitment to maintaining high animal welfare.

He's also committed to local supply, aiming to minimise the distance from farm to market, valuing the good relationship he enjoys with his egg buyer Country Lane Foods. 

Reaping the rewards

Encouraged by the success of his business model to date, Jack is hoping to inspire other first-generation farmers into a sustainable way of farming. “There is hope for first-generation farmers,” he said. “When you’re trying to find a farm, stick at it. You do have to be prepared to work hard, but it does pay off in the end.”

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