CAFRE students explore Agriculture in England, thanks to The Gibson Trust

Date published: 5 August 2025

The Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Agriculture final year students, were divided into three groups to embark on educational study tours to three locations.

The group headed up by CAFRE lecturing staff set off to England, to explore farming enterprises showcasing the diversity, innovation, and resilience within the agriculture sector.

The first stop was Manor Park Simmentals in Lockerbie, a leading example of a multi-enterprise farm. The students were introduced to the farm’s impressive 400-head Simmental herd, hearing about pedigree breeding, commercial beef production, and the genetics behind show-winning livestock. The visit also included a look at the farm’s 16,000-hen poultry unit and a specialist flock of pedigree Texel sheep, offering a comprehensive view of integrated livestock management. Key learning points included biosecurity, animal health, and the financial benefits of enterprise diversification.

In the afternoon, the students visited Thrimby Farm in Penrith, managed by Dani and Matthew Blair who are first-generation farmers featured in the BBC’s “This Farming Life”. Their 200-hectare farm is home to 420 cattle and 1,000 ewes. They provided a powerful example of ambition, sustainability, and strategic planning. Students explored topics such as selective breeding, land improvement, and financial management, while also hearing about the challenges of market volatility and climate change. The Blairs’ story left a lasting impression, inspiring students with their passion and perseverance.

On the second day, the group visited Pemberton’s Farm Shop and Dairies in Lytham St Annes. This family-run business, rooted in tradition since the 1950s, offered a unique perspective on the farm-to-table journey. Students toured the modern 14-point swing-over milking parlour and explored the farm shop, which showcases local produce and in-house butchery. They discussed sustainable farming, reducing food miles, and community engagement. A hands-on planning exercise challenged students to recommend the best location for a new calf shed allowing them to apply their knowledge to farm planning.

Dry Howe Farm in Cumbria, was the next location, a 1,900-acre upland farm operating in a challenging hill environment. With 150 hardy Limousin cattle and 500 sheep, the farm demonstrated how low-input, sustainable systems can thrive on marginal land. Students explored breed selection, outdoor calving, and rotational grazing, while also learning about agri-environment schemes and conservation grazing. The visit highlighted the balance between food production and environmental stewardship, and the economic realities of hill farming.

The final visit was to Metcalfe Farms in Leyburn, a large-scale dairy operation spanning 3,000 acres and home to 1,300 cows. Managed by three brothers, the farm impressed students with its 72-point rotary parlour and use of robotics, showcasing the efficiency of modern dairy systems. The farm’s 2018 NMR/RABDF Gold Cup win underscored its excellence. Students also viewed the farm’s biodigester, which generates renewable energy for the National Grid, and learned about its diversified operations, including a haulage business and quarry. The visit highlighted the importance of technology, sustainability, and strategic partnerships in large-scale farming.

Throughout the tour, students engaged with real-world farming challenges and innovations, gaining practical knowledge in animal husbandry, land management, financial planning, and environmental responsibility. The experience not only deepened their understanding of the agricultural sector but also inspired them to consider the future of farming with renewed enthusiasm and confidence.

CAFRE is deeply indebted to The Gibson Trust for contributing to the costs of the study tour for the final year Level 3 Agriculture students at Greenmount Campus. Additionally, many thanks to all the farms and staff for taking time to tour the students around their facilities and hosting such great visits.

The tour provided the opportunity for students to connect with each other one final time as a group, before embarking on their own career paths. Some of the students will continue their studies on higher level courses, some will enter employment, while others will return to their home enterprises to work alongside family members.

If you, or someone you know is considering leaving school after Year 12, CAFRE offers full-time and part-time courses in Agriculture. For more information visit the CAFRE website.