The Wells family epitomise the definition of multi-tasking. Being enthusiastic about the farming industry and the positive opportunities it offers are indicative measures in the diversifications they pursue.

The team at South Brockwells Farm might have diversified in multiple ways, but they all have one core aim at the centre of it all and that is to safeguard the farm’s future for future generations. Each diversification – from the farm shop to the new educational initiative – is inextricably linked and their collective vision to merge them as one circular business is exemplary. Run by husband and wife team, Arron and Chrissy Wells, sister Sarah, their daughters, Lucy, 14, and Daisy, 11, and family friend Caroline Tasker, farming remains at the heart of the enterprise.

They have refined the system and even matched livestock to their specific land in order to streamline and become as efficient as possible. Established in 1976 by Chrissie’s parents – who still participate in the running of the business – the farm now manages 180 sheep, beef, goats, asparagus, a livery, a cross-country and equestrian events venue, a farm shop and a butchery. Branching out into education, they more recently launched a new farm school and operate a mobile farm. Chrissy says: “Working on East Sussex clay, we have adapted what we do to make the most of our land. We rear and grow what works in our environment and we have done well. “As it becomes increasingly challenging to earn a living through traditional farming, other avenues must be explored and we are proud of our farm. It may be small, but we pack a lot into it and our animals
give a lot back.”

Such achievements and diversity saw them win Diversification of the Year at last year’s British Farming Awards. The team play to their strengths, with Chrissy heading up the livestock, Arron is a joiner and manages all the maintenance and butchery of the meat, while Sarah takes the lead in the farm shop. Caroline joined the business in 2022, taking on the equestrian events and leading on the farm school activities. Chrissy says: “Our team are innovative and creative and we plan ahead and have embraced diversification in a sympathetic way to also suit the animals.”

Education

Venturing into working with schools has brought with it immense reward and a different dimension to the farm’s achievements. Chrissy says: “We are immensely proud of the farm and the animals. We know we are lucky to live and work in this environment and are keen to share that with others. “We want to be the best educational farm visit for children to learn how farming impacts on their lives. We want our pork to be the best and we want our lambs to be in the best condition and our animals to be happy and healthy.”

Success can be identified in a variety of ways at Brockwells. For the livestock, Chrissy has won numerous awards at the South of England Agricultural Society. She says: “Having that recognition has cemented our belief on how well our flock does on our land and how the breeding programme has produced good quality sheep and goats.” On the equestrian and events side, the calendar is packed full of events, which see hundreds of riders
attend each one. Chrissy says: “Our social media is also overwhelmingly positive with feedback from happy customers. “When Caroline joined and we launched the Farm School and Mobile Farm, we have since improved the school attendance for some children, learners’ behaviour and attitudes have improved and their well-being has improved. “Other professionals regularly report back on the positive impact our farm school is having on these children from disadvantaged backgrounds.”

Chrissy, who undertook CEVAS training, is keen for the Farm School and Mobile Farm to continue and increase their potential. As director of the school, Caroline spent a decade working as teacher, senior leader and deputy head in a large, mainstream secondary school in an area of significant deprivation. Children are encouraged to improve their soft skills, such as resilience, motivation, self control, confidence and work ethic, which are inevitably vital to their well-being, academic success and ability to achieve in later life.

”Our team are innovative and creative and we plan ahead and have embraced diversification in a sympathetic way to also suit the animals”

Chrissy Wells

SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES

  • Minimise chemicals used on the land
  • Pigs are fed on asparagus trimmings to avoid waste
  • Rainwater is harvested and used to water polytunnels and pumpkin beds
  • Schoolchildren who visit the farm are educated on recycling

 

FARM SCHOOL

STUDENTS can be referred to the school if they are facing challenges including:

  • A lack of engagement in school
  • Low attendance and attainment
  • Poor mental well-being and self-esteem issues
  • Anxiety
  • Underdeveloped life skills
  • A lack of pro-social behaviours
  • A pattern of negative relationships with adults and peers

 

Important

Chrissy says: “Mental health and well-being has become increasingly important. We all know Covid-19 has thrown challenges in all sorts of ways to everyone, especially children and young people. “The need for support for children is increasing daily and we have the skills and tools here to support, but our biggest challenge currently is ensuring the working farm is safe and accessible for children and young people to access.”

Another key area of attention going forward is increasing the profile of the business and keeping footfall coming through. As testament to this, Chrissy is developing a marketing strategy to promote the farm, including applying for grants, working with the press and working with British Eventing to further develop the cross-country course to host competitions. Speaking of their determination to secure the future of the farm for the next generation, Chrissy is optimistic her daughters are keen to pursue the family’s legacy. She says: “Our daughters are integral members of the team. They go above and beyond daily are already accomplished horsewomen in their own right, have encyclopaedic knowledge of the farm and are my right-hand women during lambing season.

“The girls have every opportunity to follow in the family farming footsteps and identifying opportunities is something the family knows only too well.”

ENTER OR NOMINATE NOW

This award is to respect the fact farm businesses no longer just operate behind a closed gate, as farmers look to add value to their enterprise, regardless of the size and scale of your business. You might be operating
within agri-tourism, food and drink production, leisure, retail and/or events to name but a few. Adding value to your core business will be at the heart of your diversification to help support the longevity and success of the farm in the future.

ENTER OR NOMINATE

For more information on the category and the British Farming Awards, visit britishfarmingawards.co.uk