Soil Health and Reduced Food Miles Cheadle Farm uses a multi-species grassland system, incorporating legumes and clovers to enrich the soil and maintain biodiversity. This approach ensures nutrient-rich grazing areas for cattle all year round, while the farm’s dedication to local distribution minimises food miles, with most products sold directly at local markets or supplied to nearby restaurants. “Everything we produce feeds our cattle, and everything our cattle produce stays within a 50-mile radius,” says Mathew, reflecting their commitment to sustainability.
explaining that the seasonal flavours have become a hit with customers seeking something distinctive for their holiday tables. By late autumn, these signature products begin reaching local markets. “We prepare thousands of pigs in blankets for our holiday market stands,” says Ceri. “It’s all hands on deck from early December onwards.” Sustainability at the Core of Cheadle Farm While many farms around the UK are moving toward large-scale commercial practices, Cheadle Farm remains rooted in sustainability. As part of the government’s Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), the farm adopts environmentally friendly methods, such as maintaining wildlife corridors, planting cover crops, and rotating grazing areas to enhance soil health and preserve biodiversity. According to the National Farmers' Union (NFU), agriculture accounts for about 10% of the UK’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Farms like Cheadle Farm, through sustainable practices, contribute to emission reduction while protecting soil health for future generations.
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