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Rural estate visit - Bennetts Farm, Tetbury

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The second rural estate visit has been arranged for Wednesday 17 May at Bennetts Farm in Tetbury.

Bennetts Farm, Leighterton is a mixed holding comprising a modern farmhouse, range of agricultural buildings and 129.60 acres. It was let to the existing tenant, Simon Best in November 2020. The tenant grew up on his parents GCC farm but this is his first holding in his own right.  The primary enterprises are beef and arable however, Simon has recently diversified and developed a farmshop. The shop which opened in April 2022, hosts a state of the art Italian vending machine meaning at present, the building does not have to be manned. In addition to his own produce, he also stocks a variety of other local products from nearby suppliers. Of most significance from a GCC perspective however, is the fact that he is also collaborating with another of our young dairy tenants within the village who has installed a milk vending machine within the same building and this co-location is already reaping rewards.

 

In general terms the event will take the following format:

  • Meet at the farm for 10:30am, refreshments provided
  • GCC Officers will give a brief update on the estate in general, matters of interest and some background to the Leighterton Estate highlighting how it has been rationalised / reorganised over the years before introducing the Tenants Simon and Tara.
  • Simon will then provide a brief on his enterprises touching on carbon, environmental and financial matters as well as his thoughts on British agriculture from a young farmer perspective.
  • Finally, we will go into the onsite farmshop where Simon will talk us through the diversification enterprise and future aspirations.
  • An open question and answer session
  • Lunch provided, depart by 13:00.

Please note this is a working farm and whilst we consider the Holding to be a safe farm environment, visitors are advised to take reasonable care when attending the farm. All visitors will be asked to comply with any Health and Safety or Biosecurity requirements that may be in place on the farm, any such measures to be advised prior to the date. Visitors are also asked to ensure that all clothing and footwear is clean and suitable before entering the farm. 

Spaces for this visit are limited. If you would like to attend, could you please email sophie.benfield@gloucestershire.gov.uk by Friday 5th May.