Deersbrook Farm
Producer: Deersbrook Farm, Essex
Product: Grass-fed beef
Region: London and South East
Category: From the field, primary
What they do:
Deersbrook farm is a Red Tractor-assured, third-generation family farm. In 2015, they became the first 100 per cent grass-fed cattle farm in Essex to be certified by the Pasture-Fed Livestock Association.
Deersbrook are committed to sustainable farming and pride themselves on rearing ‘happy’ cows. Their native Sussex cattle are left to feed in the meadows around the farm for most of the year, growing up to 29 months until they are taken to slaughter. The beef is then dry-aged on the bone for 28 days before being prepared by the local butcher.
The family are big on educating the public about the field-to-fork process. Every June they participate in Open Farm Sunday, allowing visitors to tour the farm and see the conditions the cows are reared in for themselves. The family also travel to local schools, taking piglets, calves and chickens to show the children where their meat comes from.
What the judges said:
The judges were thoroughly impressed by the “honesty and genuine passion” that came across in Deersbrook Farm’s entry. They particularly admired Deersbrook’s commitment to teaching local schoolchildren about the field to fork process.
Visit the website: Deersbrook Farm