Saturday, 18 April 2009

Farm Diversifiation - Coombes Farm

Over the holiday I visited Coombes Farm and thought that it would make a great example of farm diversification.

Some basic facts:
  • The farm is set in 1000 hectares of the South Down countryside
  • It is a mixed farm - being both arable and pastoral
  • It has five hundred sheep and 100 beef cattle, it also grows wheat and barley

It had to diversify as it was not making any money due to falling crop and meat prices and the rising cost of fuel.

To diversify the farm:

  • The farm has special promotions to attract visitors at lambing time through late March to the end of April
  • In the summer it has guided farm tours, wild flower walks and barn dances
  • It has a Norman Church with some of the oldest wall paintings in Europe. The farmer renovated the church and opened it to the public
  • The farm also operates a bed and breakfast

A little useful case study for your exam!

Mr. Still

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