Bradford Estates: Driven by the principle of looking after tomorrow

Over 900 years after the family’s first land grants in the area, Bradford Estates now takes responsibility for approximately 12,000 acres on the Shropshire and Staffordshire borders. Continuously investing in their land and property and with the future in mind, the Estates Business is guided by its heritage, knowledge and a commitment to doing things the right way. It has developed sustainable practices across its farming, industrial, forestry, property and leisure activities and has created charitable legacies that have benefited many local communities for hundreds of years. Here we talk to Oliver Scott, Bradford Estates’ Farm Director to find out more…

What’s the history of your business, how did it get started?

The current family have been stewards to Bradford Estates for 900 years, Bradford Farming is one of several enterprises within the Bradford Estates group. The origins of the Bradford family’s connection with the area began with William I conquest in 1066, which saw the granting of the English land to his countrymen. The ancestral home, Weston Park, and its 1,000 acres of parkland, left family ownership after the death of the 6th Earl in 1981, gifted by his son to the Weston Park Foundation. Today it is an independent educational and conservation charity.

In 2019, the most recent acquisition of Burlington Farm took Bradford Estates to 12,000 acres in Shropshire and Staffordshire. Driven by Alexander, Viscount Newport, the future 8th Earl, a new progressive, sustainable land strategy is being created, to facilitate the introduction of regenerative farming and new tree planting on the estates.

How long have you been established for?

Bradford Farming was set up in 2019, originally as the farmer in a contract farming agreement (CFA) and in 2020, after a strategic review, the decision was made to take the farm in-hand. Bradford Farming has been carefully planned; from selecting machinery to making strategic decisions to enhance and protect our land. We successfully harvested our first in-hand crops in harvest 2022 and since then have not looked back.

Tell us about your background and how you got involved?

I grew up on a Wiltshire farm managed by my father, I followed his footsteps, graduating from Harper Adams in 2005 and have been immersed in farming throughout my life. I’ve worked in Australia and New Zealand and managed farms in West Sussex and Norfolk. I enjoy keeping up to date with cutting edge techniques and practices and continually enhance my knowledge whenever possible.

What products and services you offer?

We are a 12,000 acre landed estate with arable, sheep and wildflower farming, residential and commercial property, leisure enterprises, industrial portfolios and rural opportunities. We also manage four family charities. With our focus on sustainable practises, we are moving away from the high input, conventional farming of the past. Its negative impact on soil health and the wider environment is becoming widely understood. Our farming business primarily focuses on arable production, and we have a vision to create a market leading agribusiness. We also aim to become a centre of farming excellence, working with local and national education and research institutions, to help advance the understanding of sustainable farming systems and practices. Through regenerative agriculture, we promote more diverse biodiversity, environmental restoration and ongoing enhancement, supported by integrating complementary enterprises, such as livestock. Led by our in-hand farming team, we will prioritise a holistic approach to land use with specific focus on conservation, thereby creating a distinct identity for Bradford Estates within the agri-sector.

How many employees do you have?

Bradford Estates employ 25 people across all entities.

Who are your customers?

Tenants, farmers, tourists, feed mills and grain buyers, large industrial clients.

How has the business changed over the past 10 years?

The management of Bradford Estates has returned to an in-hand Estates office from land agency firms previously. We farm regeneratively and hold the importance of the environment in high regard.

What is your company ethos?

Through a long-term vision, we’re driven by the principle of looking after tomorrow and are committed to responsible and sustainable practices in everything we do.

What gets you out of bed in the morning?

Every day is different, presenting new challenges and opportunities. We are currently amid great change within the way we farm in the UK, keeping up with global forces and arable innovation. We have an exciting reservoir project in the pipeline and the estate is constantly reviewing its practices and opportunities to improve. Our new regenerative farm centre will hopefully help us drive the business to net zero by 2030 and we have installed solar panels and low carbon materials in the build. It’s exciting to think that our everyday work is making a difference.

How has the last year or so impacted your business?

The war on Ukraine inflated grain sale price by as much as 100% from February 2022, however after November 2022, these prices have decreased to pre-war levels. Energy and fertiliser prices have also seen astounding increases. The volatilities within these markets have placed great emphasis on budgeting and cashflow to ensure the viability and future stability of the business.

What are your biggest challenges now?

Climate change is always on our mind, water security and unpredictable weather conditions impact upon the stability of the seasons. Balancing the requirements of the farm and the wider Estates can be a challenge but that is part of working together on an Estate.

Who is your inspiration in business?

When it comes to inspiration, we have a vision to create a market leading agribusiness. Focussing on sustainable farming systems, our ambition is to become a centre of farming excellence, to help advance the understanding of sustainable farming systems and practices.

If you could do it all again, what would you do differently?

Can you ask us again in twelve months’ time?!

What has been your proudest moment?

It would be hard to pick just one; perhaps the sight of the combine beginning our first in-hand harvest or the sight of our first sheep leaping from the trailer. I am continually proud of our team and what we have achieved so far, a business is made up of people and we are fortunate to be made up of such capable and caring members.

What are your plans for future?

Supporting the community is important to us, we plan to diversify further and are looking into collaborating with nearby farmers in ways which support shared values and utilise knowledge.

 When and how did you begin working with Witham Group?

Whilst working at Holkham Estate in 2009, Richard (Scarbrough) was a huge help in assisting me with our lubricant needs. When I moved to Bradford Estates, I was keen to ensure that we would be using Witham again. Witham supply all our lubricants and paints for the farm and our many other activities. It’s vital that a supplier provides us with a strong relationship, with back-up, knowledge, understanding and service. The beer on the Norfolk and Suffolk stand also helps!

Witham go the extra mile, are good fun and maintain a great relationship. I have no hesitation in recommending Witham, Nigel or Richard Scarbrough in particular to others. The relationship with Witham is with the person and not just the business, which is built on support and trust.