Meet the Producer

Unearthing the Essence of Jeyes of Earls Barton: A Legacy of Family and Quality Nestled in the quaint village of Earls Barton, a hidden gem awaits – Jeyes of Earls Barton. Steeped in history and exuding charm, this family-owned business has been a cornerstone of the community for generations. Join us on a journey through time as we uncover the rich tapestry of Jeyes, from its humble beginnings to its thriving present. A Glimpse into the Past The tale of Jeyes of Earls Barton began over a century ago when the Jeyes family embarked on their entrepreneurial journey. With a passion for quality and a commitment to excellence, they laid the foundation for what would become a beloved institution in the heart of Northamptonshire. Family Values and Tradition What sets Jeyes apart is not just its remarkable products but also the values ingrained in its very fabric. Passed down through generations, a dedication to craftsmanship, integrity, and community engagement permeates every aspect of the business. At Jeyes, you're not just a customer – you're family. A Cornucopia of Delights Step inside the quaint shopfront, and you'll be greeted by an array of tantalizing treats and artisanal delights. From freshly baked bread to handcrafted cheeses, every item reflects a commitment to sourcing the finest ingredients and supporting local producers. Whether you're in need of pantry staples or indulgent treats, Jeyes has something to satisfy every palate. The Shop: A Hub of Activity Beyond its role as a purveyor of fine goods, Jeyes of Earls Barton is a hub of activity and a focal point for community engagement. From bustling farmer's markets to lively events, the shop buzzes with energy and camaraderie. It's not just a place to shop – it's a place to connect, share stories, and forge lasting friendships. Looking to the Future As Jeyes of Earls Barton continues to evolve and adapt to the changing times, one thing remains constant – a steadfast commitment to quality and tradition. With each passing year, the legacy of the Jeyes family grows stronger, ensuring that future generations will continue to experience the magic of this beloved establishment. In Conclusion In an age of mass production and impersonal shopping experiences, Jeyes of Earls Barton stands as a beacon of authenticity and warmth. From its storied past to its vibrant present, this family-owned gem encapsulates the very essence of community spirit and artisanal craftsmanship. So, the next time you find yourself in the charming village of Earls Barton, be sure to pay a visit to Jeyes – your taste buds will thank you! For more information visit the website: Jeyes of Earls Barton

I had the pleasure of meeting Marcus and Sam Hunt on their farm situated in North Kilworth, South Leicestershire. The family have been at Buckwell Lodge Farm for approx. 95 years, with Marcus being the 3 rd generation and Sam being the 4 th generation. The family milk 100 dairy cows which are a 3 way mixture of Fleckvieh , Norwegian Red and Normande to give a good versatile cow that produces both milk and beef. The beef is processed by ABP and you’ll find the end products in the chiller aisles at Marks and Spencer and Sainsbury’s. The family also plan to start selling beef boxes direct to customer with the help of another local farm diversification business called Waterloo Cottage farm . The family are progressive and forward thinking when it comes to farm sustainability and managing biodiversity, basically working in conjunction with nature. They’ve won plenty of awards in this area of expertise and quite rightly so. Rainwater harvesting from shed rooves helps to reduce water consumption and wind turbine has reduced their energy consumption by ¾. Currently the farm is working with a variety of different researchers and scientific companies to help use data to drive efficiencies in their business. One result has been to help reduce antibiotic use in the herd, which has been reduced by 87% in the last year. This is partly due to installing a Lely Astronaut , a robotic milking arm that can individually scan each cow’s udders when they come to be milked. Mastitis can be detected several days earlier with this method and can be treated holistically with udder mint for example, preventing further infection from developing. The grass is grazed in sections throughout the day so the cows never come back to the same patch of grass once they’ve been milked. And the diversity in the grass is pretty impressive with a variety of different grasses, clover and chicory which the cows love to browse and encourages other wildlife species too. Trace elements are spread on the grass which are absorbed when eaten by the cows. This has helped to boost minerals in the milk with a massive increase in selenium for example which has natural cancer fighting properties. The milk produced on the farm is collected by the processing company Arla , which supply the milk onto McDonalds Marcus and Sam recently started selling unpasteurised milk in glass bottles to the local community. Marcus pointed out to me that ‘before you are allowed to buy the milk, you are invited to have a farm tour’. ‘This all adds to the customer experience and helps with the public perception of farming’. Their first customers were a group of families who all home school their children, then through word of mouth things grew. As you drive along the main road from Market Harborough to Lutterworth there is now a sign saying ‘fresh organic milk sold here’ Sam told me to order your bottles, all you do is send a Whatsapp message via the facebook page and arrange to come and collect your milk. The family are very welcoming, keen to engage with their community and share their farming story and production with all who visit. You’ll see the comfiest looking cows on their mattresses with robots scraping up their poo behind them. I’d call that 5* treatment. And with all this technology at their fingertips it has meant that the family are not slaves to milking in a parlour twice daily and can concentrate on spending time with individual cows or with their customers. To find out more about Buckwell Organic, follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BuckwellOrganic/ or Whatsapp: 07598488202  For more ‘Meet the Producer’ stories, visit https://www.nofussmealsforbusyparents.com/

Milly recently visited the home of Northampton Charcuterie Company in Northampton Town centre, to find out how the business has developed.

Cobblers Nibble, Northamptonshire Blue, Shoe Town and Daventry Blue are soft blue cheeses made my Northamptonshire cheese maker Gary Bradshaw.

Anna Blumfield is a suckler beef producer based on the Essex / Suffolk Border. Anna took the time to tell me more about the family business which is situated in East Anglia near the town of Braintree.