Experienced Farm Manager required for a share farming opportunity on 400 ha organic – dairy, arable and beef farm with an additional 80 ha conventional arable on the Oxfordshire Wiltshire borders.

Introduction

Our client is seeking to step back from the day to day management of the farm and to pursue other business interests.  We now seek a manager who is capable of taking this 480 hectare mixed farm forward. In return, after a 12 months probationary period, we are offering a once in a lifetime opportunity for the right person to become the share farmer.

The farm comprises 300 ha rented from the National Trust on an AHA tenancy, the remainder is owned. The farm has a track record of profitable organic dairy production and benefits from a range of diversified income streams.  There remains scope for improvement over the coming years.

The lack of initial capital will not be a hindrance to the right person taking on the share farming agreement.  The ultimate aim of the client is for him to allow the incoming share farmer to build up their capital until the point where they own all the working capital in the business including breeding livestock.

Current Farming Enterprises

The farming system at present has a strong emphasis on farming for the long term benefit of the environment, soil health, animal welfare and the farm itself.  There is also a management commitment to respect the wellbeing of farm staff and to engagement with the wider public.

The soil types range from sands and Cotswold brash to medium heavy loams in the valley bottoms.  The farm supports an organic dairy herd of 120 cows, an organic beef enterprise of up to 200 head finishing all the progeny from the dairy herd.

Cropping including rotational grass and arable whole crops in addition to permanent pasture.
Organic arable cropping totals 100 ha including Spring Wheat, Oats and Beans, in addition there is 80 ha of conventional arable.

Share Farming Agreement

Under the agreement the income and the expenses of the business will be divided according to the capital invested by the partners.  Our Client (the Farmer) currently provides all the capital, under the share farming agreement he will continue to provide the:
• Land (rent equivalent or actual)
• BPS entitlements
• Buildings and fixed equipment (livestock and grain storage facilities)
• Breeding livestock

The share farmer will provide the:
• Labour and management
•  Machinery

Applicants

Applicants will need to show significant experience of managing a farm, dairying and crop production expertise are of critical importance as is experience of organic farming.
Applicants will need to be able to demonstrate an understanding of the environment, soil health, animal welfare issues facing the farming business as well as having had experience of managing farm staff, and engagement with the wider public.
The salary for the farm manager for the first year will be in the region of £42,000.

Additional information

Additional information will be made available to those people invited to view the farm on the 17th January 2018.  This will include:
• Draft Heads of agreement for Share Farming Agreement
• RLR  Maps BPS application summary 2015-17
• Cropping summary
• Dairy costings and dairy performance report
• Full livestock inventory.
• Summary of existing Environmental Stewardship agreements including HLS

Timescale

Expressions of interest accompanied by brief CV or business resume to be sent to Adam Twine by 20th December.

Invitations to view the farm and meet the farmer will be sent out by 31st December.

Viewing date 17th January 2018, after which a short list of applicants will be asked to prepare a business proposal to cover the next 5 years to March 2023.

Closing date for business proposals and applications 15th February 2018.

Farm visits late February and early March 2018.  Adam Twine will visit the business of those people who have submitted proposals to discuss their ideas further.

Appointment of new Manager by 31st March.

Start date Spring/Summer 2018.

For further information please email Adam Twine – colleymorefarm@phonecoop.coop