Diversifying your farm can ensure that your business is more resilient to the challenges that constantly face UK farmers.
Back in February 2024, we met with Andrew Jones, a dairy farmer from Wrexham. From his humble beginnings in Rossett, alongside his wife Jenny, to overcoming the challenges of Parkinson’s disease, Andrew’s story is one of resilience and innovation.
Discover how he and his family transformed their land into a successful glamping business, all whilst recognising the pressures of consumer and environmental demands.
Read more about farm diversification below…
What is Farm Diversification?
Farm diversification is when you branch away from traditional farming in an effort to boost income and ensure stability of the business.
For many farmers, farm diversification can be an expansion into new agricultural activities or moving onto non-agricultural businesses, such as hospitality.
Whilst diversifying your business can come with risks and may not be the right for everyone, many farmers have found success in their new endeavors.
Andrew Jones, President of the Holstein UK Society
One of the most popular avenues of farm diversification is rural tourism. Many farmers are now hosting visitors on the farm, providing a unique experience of countryside living, rural hospitality, and outdoor activities.
In 2017, Andrew saw the opportunity to build safari tents onto his farmland to increase his income. Today, Rackery Retreat, a luxury glamping site on the North Wales-Cheshire boarder has welcomed almost 1,200 families.
Watch our Shout About Farming feature with Andrew below to hear his full journey and how social media can be come a crucial asset in the modern age of farming.
Other types of Farm Diversification
From composting to floriculture, there are many things you can do to diversity your farm and to boost your income.
Consider any underused resources on the farm, such as unused buildings. These can be transformed into secure storage for people who don’t have space for large items such as caravans or bikes. Alternatively, you could tap into the pet market by offering pet boarding services, as there is a growing demand for kennels and catteries.
You can also utilise your existing skills and expertise by setting up a farm or forest school. This venture could attract interest from schools, holiday clubs, team-building events, and birthday parties.
Do you have a story to share and want to get involved in our SAF campaign? Let us know by filling in this form. Alternatively, follow the journey on our social channels, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.
