What’s special about Mill Farm? Organic Farms Network Organic cows The farm has a herd of pedigree South Devon cows. Despite being Britain’s largest native breed, they are renowned for its docile temperament, making the cattle less prone to stress and helping to ensure the meat is ‘meltingly’ tender. Calves are reared in a family group until they are weaned and are fed almost exclusively on grass and clover. This gives the meat a special flavour that is wholly lacking from animals reared intensively on cereals. Research also shows that grass-reared beef includes high levels of omega-3 fatty acids which help reduce the risk of heart disease. Organic Farms Network Farms for the 21st century Organic farmers all over the country want to show people what is happening on their farms. The Soil Association is working with them to create a network of organic farms across the UK all with something special to show you. Why not visit a network farm, walk farm trails and enjoy the countryside and its wildlife? Organic sheep The farm has two separate flocks of sheep: the locally native Wiltshire Horn and the hardy Black Welsh Mountain sheep. The Wiltshire Horn is distinctive in the fact that it naturally sheds its fleece so the sheep do not have to be sheared in the summer. Both flocks produce lamb which is available seasonally from November to April. The Black Welsh Mountain is especially favoured for its sweet, delicate flavour and tender meat. Soil Association The Soil Association’s organic mark is a guarantee to the consumer that food is produced to the highest standards of animal welfare and environmental protection. The Soil Association believes that organic farming is the only way that high quality food production can go hand in hand with caring for the countryside and its wildlife. Wildlife Wildlife conservation is important and the farm has a wealth of bird and plant life. The farm is part of the Countryside Stewardship Scheme which aims to restore and maintain hedgerows, field margins and the water meadows alongside the River Wey. Ragged Robin, meadowsweet and large white willow trees can be found growing here, and if you’re lucky you may catch a glimpse of a kingfisher, heron or snipe. The surrounding ancient woodland include oak and chestnut with new copses being planted elsewhere. Farm shop and direct sales Produce is sold direct from the farm shop, open on Wednesday to Saturday 9am-5pm. The shop stocks local and organic foods, dairy produce, bread, fresh veg and now its own pork. Mill Farm meat is also available at Hampshire Farmers’ Markets, food festivals in local towns including Alton, Winchester, Farnham and Petersfield. The farm is also proud to supply several local pubs, including The Hen+Chicken in Froyle, The Thomas Lord in West Meon and London restaurants, including the highly acclaimed St John’s Restaurant in Smithfield. CONTACT DETAILS: Mill Farm, Isington Nr Alton, Hampshire GU34 4PN 01420 22331 www.millfarmorganic.com To find out more about the organic farms network and the organic farms near you, please contact the Soil Association at the address below. Nr. Alton, Hampshire Kindly supported by Hampshire County Council Hampshire County Council’s, Countryside Service and Hampshire Fare are working with partners to develop a range of Food and Farming Walks in this area of Hampshire. Keep your eyes open for more information or visit: www.hants.gov.uk/countryside/access Soil Association Bristol House, 40-56 VictoriaStreet, Bristol BS1 6BY T 0117 929 0661 F 0117 925 2504 E farmnet@soilassociation.org W www.soilassociation.org Mill Farm Hampshire Fare, the county food group, supports and promotes producers of food, drink and craft in the county. If you would like a free Guide to Local Producers please telephone 01962 845999. For more information on our many food & drink activities please visit www.hampshirefare.co.uk Visit an organic farm and see for yourself how organic farming works to ensure safe, healthy food and a better quality of life for everyone What is organic farming? Organic farming is a way of producing safe food from healthy plants and animals, in a healthy, natural environment. Organic farmers work with nature to grow crops and rear animals in countryside which is cared for. Mill Farm Mill Farm is set in idyllic Hampshire countryside on the banks of the River Wey. The animals graze clover-rich pastures and traditional water meadows, surrounded by ancient woodland and hedgerows. Produce from this beautiful landscape is available in the farm shop located in the heart of the village. Visit the farm to find out how quality food is produced in harmony with the environment…. Organic Organic farmers work with the future in mind, making sure that our land, air, water and wildlife are really looked after, not just for today, but for ever. Organic farmers work by… Building up a healthy fertile soil Food crops take goodness from the soil, so after harvesting the fields are rested. Clover is then grown on this land, to help restore the health of the soil. Recycling natural wastes Natural fertilisers like compost and farm manure enrich the soil and encourage plant growth. Creating wildlife habitats Trees and hedges are planted to provide homes for birds, bats and beetles. These creatures then feed on insect pests which damage crops. Protecting the environment Because chemical fertilisers and pesticides are not used, there are no poisons to pollute water, soil and food chains. Providing high standards of animal welfare Farm animals have access to fields and fresh air and are fed a healthy, natural diet with no routine drugs or feed additives. VISITS AND OPEN DAYS The benefits • Safe, nutritious food enjoyed by a healthy population You are welcome to visit the farm and we are happy to chat about the farm and our meat with customers. You can walk the farm trail whenever you wish (copies available from the farm shop) and special open days are also held. • Countryside with a wonderful variety of wildlife species HOW TO GET THERE • A legacy for the future ensuring a better quality of life for all The farm is situated .......... www.millfarmorganic.com
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