"Plumgarths Farm was secured by my grandfather immediately after World War 1. Located on the verge of Kendal town, the 55 acre farm carried a small herd of dairy cows producing milk for butter making, however the recession soon began to bite.

Attempting to add value and improve the farm's income he started to sell fresh milk direct to nearby town residents. The long hours paid dividends and the venture was a success.

Farming practices have changed over the decades along with an increase in farm size to achieve those 'economies of scale'.

I've moved to farm Low Foulshaw, a 400 acre unit just south of Kendal stretching down to Morecambe Bay which I farm in partnership with my wife, Rachel and sons, Richard and Charles.

We manage an efficient, sustainable family farm which continues to implement traditional methods. We produce an all year round supply of quality beef and lamb which is naturally grazed on the salt marsh lending the meat a unique delicate flavour.

We also run a free range hen enterprise producing a daily supply of fresh farm eggs for local markets.

Like many of today's progressive farmers, we have started to retail the farm produce direct to consumers through Plumgarths Farm Shop. The initiative has gained momentum due to the growing interest in locally produced food, together with the need to reduce food miles."

John Geldard