Jeremy Padfield, Church Farm

Jeremy, together with his father John, runs Church Farm in Stratton on the Fosse in Somerset, and epitomises everything that is good about farming in the 21st Century. Not only is Jeremy committed to being the best possible farmer but he is equally serious about his wider role in the community in which he lives. From supporting and collaborating with neighbouring farmers, to encouraging the consumption of local food by local people, Jeremy is a fantastic ambassador for British farming. This role along with his wife Sue, includes countless visits and talks to local school children every year, which really helps them to understand more about the food they eat and how it is produced.

As a LEAF farmer, Jeremy is committed to farming in a sustainable manner using the best of modern technology with the best traditional practices. This means that he works in harmony with nature to protect the countryside and its wildlife whilst producing safe, wholesome and affordable food for us all to enjoy.

Jeremy farms over 1000 acres of farmland with his neighbour which is predominantly arable growing wheat, barley, oilseed rape and spring beans. The farm also has an equine business and rears beef cattle. But managing the environment is also a big priority for Jeremy. Fifteen percent of the farm is under conservation management, which includes six metre margins that surround each arable field - providing a safe and undisturbed home for a wealth of animals and birds; wild bird feed blocks and skylark plots and a big hedgerow management scheme.

Jeremy is passionate about spreading the good news about British farming, to children and adults alike and is very keen to encourage other farmers to do the same. Of all the very many roles Jeremy fulfills every week – that of educator is closest to his heart. The team at Stratton welcomes many visitors throughout the year and focuses very much on attracting schoolchildren to the farms and it is thanks to their enthusiasm and commitment that so many more children know where their food comes from and the care that goes into producing it.

Church Farm will be opening the gates for the sixth Open Farm Sunday on 12 June – offering a fantastic opportunity for visitors to discover at first hand the story behind their food and its link with nature.

For more information visit www.farmsunday.org and for up-to-date campaign information, follow us on Twitter – twitter.com/openfarmsunday

For further information contact:
David Gough or Laura Bates
Open Farm Sunday Press Office   
T: 01189 475956 M : 07884 353 474  
E: david.gough@ceres-pr.co.uk / laura.bates@ceres-pr.co.uk