Traditional breeds for quality meats

Our small farm specialises in rare and traditional breeds, which we raise in non-intensive conditions. We keep rare goats and chickens too, but the meat we sell comes mostly from the pig, cattle and sheep breeds listed here.

Pigs

British Saddleback

A very important breed noted for its hardiness and mothering ability. Ideally suited to an outdoor life and natural conditions, the Saddleback can help restore soil structure and fertility to land spoiled by intensive arable farming. British Saddleback pork and bacon is of very high quality.

Middle White

The crispiest crackling, the best flavoured fat and fantastic tasting meat make Middle White pork an outstanding eating experience. A "beautifully ugly" specialist porker, the Middle White is docile and a very caring mother. Unusually for pigs, it can get much of its dietary requirements from grazing rather than rooting.

Gloucester Old Spots

Our Gloucestershire Old Spots pigs produce pork and bacon that is succulent, tender and full of flavour. Some say that sausages and pork pies from Gloucester Old Spots are the finest you can get! Its outstanding qualities as a mother may have helped the breed survive, for crossing with other breeds. It is now once again rightfully esteemed for its own culinary characteristics.

Cattle

Dexter

The Dexter is a dual-purpose breed which was originally developed in the South West of Ireland. It is a small beast with a short broad head and a compact, thick set, square body. The breed is usually black but animals can be red or dun. We believe Dexter beef is quite simply the best beef you will ever taste.

Sheep

Take lamb from some of our primitive breeds such as the Soay, Portland & Shetland. The texture of the meat is dense and the colour dark - almost more like venison than lamb. The meat is low in cholesterol and high in polyunsaturates - just what the doctor ordered! Cook it slowly, covered in foil, in a slightly cooler oven than normal and the taste will knock you out!

Find out more about traditional and rare breeds

If you would like to know more about traditional & rare breeds, or just see how we keep our livestock, why not visit our Farmcraft rare breed centre.