What's happening on the estate: Summer 2026
As you will have seen from Clarkson’s Farm – 5th series – the financial side of farming is tough but as always fun and hard work – which never hurt anyone. It has also been heart-warming to see the public support given to The Farmer’s Choir in Britain’s Got Talent – they won!
Of course, you are all keen to know more about what is going on more locally at Coakham Farm and beyond. Times are very tough – with little understanding or support from the Government, which is deeply frustrating and short sighted as we live in such an uncertain world.
And I am not just talking about food production, but energy and water as well. Three of the most basic ingredients of life. I whole-heartedly believe that there needs to be a strong push from top level to ensure that we as a country are resilient in the case of adversity. The current Middle East crisis and Ukraine war are affecting us and demonstrates why food and energy security are so important.
The UK is facing severe, long-term water stress (FACT) which we are starting to see with poor local water supplies.
For us Harvest 26 started 18 days earlier than the last 2 years, and was the earliest for at least the last 20 years. Yields suffered because of the heat and lack of water.
To counteract the decline in the arable profitability, the price of meat has increased. This is good to see but with only 50 cows in the high-health herd, this is never going to be a key income generator for us. But it does allow you to buy your meat locally, that it is principally grass fed. Other new areas of production are also being developed but news of this will have to wait for the next update.
Jules and I are working very hard at sympathetic diversification. The building of Salters Heath Business Centre in Bessels Green was a key action to replace the old European Farming Subsidy. This took almost 6 years to complete. Generally, this has been a great success although tenants are finding life tough as well, and we still have offices to let (www.saltersheath.com).
We continue to search for new income streams that do not involve selling large tranches of land for housing. We have some fun ideas that will enhance the community we live in and, involve our family.
We have invested in our website so that you can receive our newsletters, buy your event tickets, book our yurt or make purchases of meat, honey and charcoal easily.
Upcoming Events
Events to put in the diary include:
- Sunflower picking and our Maize Maze (NOW)
- Meri Fest (5 September)
- The Great Pumpkin Pick (October half term)
- Pick your own Christmas Tree (December)
Please Stay Connected
Follow us on Instagram or Facebook and you will get all the latest news as it occurs, along with everything happening behind the scenes at The Montreal Estate.
So, farming and reaching out to you all for support continues. We are fortunate that we have a great team, and we are all striving hard to keep the land viable. I know you all care and support British Farming.
Thank you,
The Montreal Estate Team