Gloucestershire aggregates specialist returns to farming roots

The Cullimore Group is embracing its farming roots with significant investment into the family farm in Stroud, and has already achieved ‘Red Tractor Assurance’ accreditation.

The Gloucestershire-based haulage and aggregates specialist has re-launched Cullimore Farms and is again farming barley, wheat and maize, Gloucester Old Spot pigs and Charolais Cows for pork and beef and Cotswold Legbar and Burford Brown chickens for eggs.

It is also working farmland elsewhere in Stroud and into Cotswold Water Park, Twyning and Ripple.

And, with the new accreditation, all produce will carry the ‘Red Tractor’ logo, seen on supermarket shelves to reassure customers the produce has met stringent standards in the farming of traceable, safe food and drink they can trust.

Moreton Cullimore, partner in the firm, said: “The Cullimore bloodline were farmers long before the first truck hit the road. And, while my father kept the farm operational, with arable farming and about 300 dairy cattle, milk prices meant that a dairy farm of that size could not remain a viable commercial entity.

“However, the decision was made last year to bring me in as a managing partner while my father eases into retirement. We have been working around the clock to bring in the right machinery and my first goal is for the farm to become self-sufficient, and then to expand our footprint to offer services to others in the agricultural community.

“There’s been a lot of blood, sweat and tears this past year, but now we have reached Red Tractor standards it’s all been worthwhile. To see the logo on our produce is not only a reward for that hard work, it demonstrates we are doing things the right way and farming ethically – which benefits the end user.”

In addition, Moreton has been busy planting cider apple, pear and plum trees. He added: “This time next year I hope to be able to enjoy a nice cold glass of cider too. Which is most welcome when you’ve spent the day in the fields.”