Tim and Jo Budden came to Higher Hacknell in 1985 with a determination to farm, but in a way that worked with nature and not against it.

So, in 1988 we started farming organically, a system which we believe offers many common-sense answers to the problems facing agriculture, the food industry and our environment. Organic standards embrace all aspects of the farming system, most especially animal welfare, wildlife conservation and food safety. We believe that for our future health and well being, it is the way forward.

Producing our own food, vegetables from the garden, cider from the orchard and meat from our own animals happened as a natural part of our farming life. From just feeding ourselves in the beginning, we now deliver our produce to homes nationwide. We hope you'll enjoy our organic meat too!

About the Farm

Higher Hacknell, nestling in a secluded part of North Devon between Dartmoor and Exmoor is a true mixed farm with cattle, sheep, corn and a cider orchard where chickens peck and wander beneath the trees.

We are proud of our South Devon cattle whose gentle nature and rich milk make them ideal mothers. Calves suckle their milk for around a year and then graze on the lush clover rich grassland on which no artificial fertilisers are used.

Pasture is grazed in rotation with sheep, the traditional way, to prevent the build up of pests and provide a clean, healthy system which avoids use of drugs and antibiotics.

On the better land, we grow corn, barley, wheat, oats and beans to feed the animals in winter. The straw provides comfortable bedding and is returned to the land in the form of farmyard manure.

About Conservation

Wild life thrives at Higher Hacknell, with numerous hedgerows providing 'corridors' around the farm, from the five acres of ponds and woodland to the hay meadows. These are a refuge for rare birds like snipe and curlew and is somewhere for wildflowers to flourish in the spring and summer.

About Our Meat

Our delicious, richly flavoured organic meat is well hung to enhance its quality and tenderness.

We supply a full range of organic meat: beef, lamb, pork and chicken (as well as Christmas turkeys). It is professionally butchered and carefully packed in boxes that ensures it reaches you in perfect condition. You can choose your own selection of cuts or one of our regular boxes, which offer exceptionally good value.

All the meat is reared on our own farm, or on those of a small group of local organic farmers with whom we work closely. We think it is important that you know exactly where your meat comes from.

If you want to know more, please ring us on 01769 560909