Bridge Farm

Description

STOCK
95 milkers (Friesians)
46 followers (heifers/calves)

CROPS
115 acres grassland
20 acres barley
15 acres wheat
6 acres potatoes
4 acres carrots
2 acres leeks
3 acres swedes
2 acres Dutch cabbage
1 acre Savoy cabbage
4 acres mixed vegetable and salad crops, including two polytunnels

LABOUR
Tony Archer
Pat Archer
Tom Archer
Clarrie Grundy (dairy)
Colin Kennedy (dairy)

Tenant farmers Tony and Pat Archer rent 140 acres from the Estate, with an extra 32 acres from other landlords. Bridge Farm converted to organic in 1984. The farm's produce - including yogurt and ice cream made in their own dairy - is sold through a wholesaler and to local outlets including Ambridge Organics. In 2005, ambitious Tom's sausage business collapsed, forcing him to start again under the control of his uncle Brian Aldridge.