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Goodwood Farm
Introduction

Goodwood Home Farm is the largest lowland organic farm in the UK and the first 100% organically-fed dairy in the country.

The farm extends to 2,800 acres ranging from typical chalk Downland to light, gravelly fields on the plain. The land is farmed as a mixed holding , with livestock consisting of 200 Dairy Shorthorn cows, 160 Shorthorn X Sussex (Beef), 1,200 breeding ewes/ewe lambs, Southdown Rams and 20 Saddleback sows. The arable land comprises: 300 acres of wheat; 100 acres of barley; 50 acres of oats; 50 acres of beans; 50 acres of peas; 50 acres of lupins; 700 acres of red clover; 700 acres of white clover; 50 acres of lucerne; and 750 acres of herb rich permanent pasture.

Goodwood achieved full organic status in 2004, although the concept that the Estate could be farmed organically originated in the 1950s. The present Duchess of Richmond was one of the Soil Association’s earliest members. An advocate of wholefood, the Duchess ran her kitchen garden on organic principles and passed on her passion to her family, which is one of the reasons why her son, the Earl of March, is now committed to farm organically. Environmental enrichment and healthy food are also deeply rooted in the Countess of March’s background, and her uncle, David Astor, founded the Elm Farm Research Centre.

The farm is run on organic principles, which involves growing crops on a rotational basis in order to assist with the build up of fertility. It will take about 20 years to see the benefits of this practice through the build up of humus and after about 100 years the farm will have changed from a marginal light soil farm, to a heavier, far more productive, soil structure. In terms of the productive life of the land, this is no time at all. Farming organically means working with nature and trying to return more nutrients to the land than we take out. The results are unpredictable which makes farming in this way so exciting. We use no fertilisers, pesticides or herbicides so if our farm plan is wrong, we have to live with it for 12 months before it can be corrected. As a result, we quickly learn to observe and react to the needs of our soil and stock.
Pigs
Sheep
Cows

Contact info:
email: farm@goodwood.co.uk

The majority of the land is sown with red or white clover to build fertility on the light soil. A large amount of humus is needed, as this holds moisture and prevents nitrate leeching which in turn feeds the crops grown. As time passes, the land will increase in fertility and achieve higher yields. As well as higher crop yields, indigenous plants will repopulate and colour will reappear in the fields . Wildlife will also increase, as the food supply of weed seeds and insects grow. Our stock will also benefit from the weeds as they provide valuable trace elements.

The Soil Association works closely with the Home Farm. It demands the highest standards in organic farming and monitors our system to ensure that all requirements are adhered to. This is very much a partnership: they assist us with rules, regulations and information and in turn we supply them with information and results of good farming practices. We are always trying to extend organic boundaries and improve how we farm our livestock and soils. We also host farm walks and talks to improve public knowledge of organic farming benefits. Although Goodwood is a young farm and has only held organic status since 2004, it is already growing in stature and building a reputation in the organic world. We are constantly suggesting new ideas to improve our soils for healthy food production and animal welfare.

We promote local food for local people – a food that you can trust with no chemicals used on stock or land. More importantly it is a product that provides the customer with the assurance that the land, environment and animals have led a natural, stress-free life; stress-free minimises disease and gives the food a well-balanced conformation. This balance will then pass to the consumer and help keep their own systems more healthy. Natural products not only taste great, but are free from salt and preservatives and thereby constitute a healthy eating alternative. This is especially important for young people as organic food prevents harmful additives accumulating in their bodies from an early age.

Goodwood is committed to the care of its livestock and soils and livestock care, building a traditional system that provides wholesome food for local people while, at the same time, stimulating the right conditions for increasing the natural flora and fauna across the Estate. Nature’s way guides our farming practices. Crops, livestock and wildlife live on the farm and people work on it - we believe that this makes the circle complete.
Goodwood Farm
Telephone: +44 (0)1243 755150; fax: +44 (0)1243 755155; email: farm@goodwood.co.uk

 

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