Frequently asked questions

Ordering and Delivery

  • Q
    Do you deliver to my area?
    A

    We deliver anywhere and everywhere in mainland U.K, although the highlands and islands cost a little more than our standard delivery charges. Please ask us if this applies to you.

  • Q
    How often and when you you deliver?
    A

    We deliver every week on Thursdays and Fridays.

    If either of these days are not convenient it is usually possible to deliver on Tuesdays and Wednesdays depending on what you wish to order by phoning us on 01769 560909. We are sometimes asked if er can deliver on Saturdays, but the cost is generally too much. The delivery dates for Christmas are different each year to fit in with Chirstmas dates and holidays.

  • Q
    How do you deliver?
    A

    We use and overnight courier to deliver to your door.

  • Q
    What time will my order arrive?
    A

    The standard overnight delivery will arrive between 8am and 6pm, depending on the route the courier takes on the day. Your order can be left  (See below) if you wish to go out. We ca offer a premium delivery service for an extra £3.50, please ask for this by phoning 01769 560909 or email [email protected]

  • Q
    Is there a delivery cost?
    A

    Yes, we do charge for delivery. The cost is £8.50 for orders of up to £120, £5 for orders between £120 and £200, and free over £200. Some companies do not charge delivery but their prices and box costs are likely to be higher than ours. We belive in an honest pricing system with fair prices for our meat and paying for what you atually receive.

  • Q
    Do i have to have a set selection box or can I choose what I have?
    A

    You can choose whatever you like. Many people like the wide selection and good value provided by our set boxes, but other prefer to choose their owen selection of meats. You can also choose a box and add extra cuts to the order as well. This is a good idea if the boxes contrain 4 steaks or chops, for example, and there are 5 people in your family, so ordering some extra cuts makes good sense. Do Phone on 01769 560909 as I'm happy to help with orders.

  • Q
    Can I have a regular order?
    A

    Yes, we'd be happy to set up a regular order for you. If you order £75 meat every month we offer you either free delivery or an extra 10% meat free (you choose which option you prefer) by joining our privilege club. We think this is a great deal and appreciate your custom. However if you want to order a one off box, or have a delivery now and then, we quite understand, Everyone's requirements are different and we want you to havewhat suits you.

  • Q
    Can I change or cancel my order once it has been replaced?
    A

    If you wish to cancel, change or add to your order then please phone us on 01769 560909. If your order has already been cut then we may either have to charge for it, or freeze it and send it at a later date when it is convenient for you.

  • Q
    When will I receive my order?
    A

    If you place your order by 6pm on a Sunday, you will normally receive it the following week on the Thursday or Friday, whichever day is more convenient for you. If there is a specfic cut that is not availible, we'll let you know and you can wait until it is availible or we can offer another cut in substitution.

  • Q
    What if I'm not in?
    A

    If you are not in to accept delivery then please write delivery instructions' section where it can be left safely. Usually people say 'round the back', 'in the porch' or 'the garage' or with a neighbour. It is possible to send another address such as a work address or to a friend.

  • Q
    Can I collect from Higher Hacknell Farm or the farmers market?
    A

    Yes, you can collect from the farm on a Wednesday or other days by arrangement. We will not charge delivery if you collect. You can also collect from Crediton farmers market on the first and third Saturdays of the month.

  • Q
    What if I'm not happy with my order?
    A

    We work hard to ensure that the meat you recieve from us is of the highest standard. However, if you are not happy with your order or there is a problem, we'd like to hear about it and put it right. So please phone us on 01769 560909 or email [email protected] and we will be happy to discuss this with you.

  • Q
    What if I don't receive my order on the expected day?
    A

    If you haven't received your order by 4pm on the expected day then TELEPHONE us on 01769 560909 immediately so we can get in touch with the couriers and check what has happened.

  • Q
    When do you take payment and is it secure?
    A

    We take actual payment at the time of despatch, as the butcher cuts your meat freshly to order and we do not know the exact weights of each until then. You will be charged for the exact quanitites of meat your receive rather than the guide price on ordering, but the amount will be very close. We also have payment security so it is secure.

Our Meat and How it is Produced

  • Q
    Why have you chosen to farm organically?
    A

    That's a big question! When we started farming in 1985, we believed there were a lot of problems with the way farming was going. we didn't want to use hormones in our animals, feed low quality and intensive feeds to them or use pesticides and chemical fertilizers on the land. Organic farming offered an alternative way of farming with nature rather than against it.

  • Q
    How do I know your meat is organic?
    A

    We are registered with the Soil Association who inspect our farm and the other farmers we work with every year. Our butchery and the abattoir we use are also inspected by them. This is verifed by the words 'Organic Certification UK5' on our labels.

    The Soil Association carries out an annual inspection of the whole process, both at farm level checking our animals, particularly the welfare standards, fields and crops, as well as all our records.

    The abattoir we use in Combe Martin, local to the farm, is also inspected and has to be certified by the Soil Association, Out meat is stamped with both the number of the abattoi and an organic stamp. We check this when it is returned to our cold room as the farm.

    we have been registered organic since 1988 and our farm certification number is G795. More information about organic farming and processing standards can be found on the website www.soilassociation.org or by contacting us.

  • Q
    Is organic meat different to other 'traditionally' farmed meats?
    A

    Yes. We believe there is no other 'label' which genuinly undertakes to inspect the whole process from field to fork to the high levels of the soil Association Organic Standards. No system is perfect, even organic, but it goes further that any other we are aware of. We think it is important that our customers have this independently verified, rather than just accepting our words that we are 'high welfare', 'natural', 'traditional' or any other unsubstantiated marketing speak!

  • Q
    Is organic meat grass fed and free range?
    A

    Yes, all our animals eat grass and organic standards require that animals are free range. Chickens and poultry have different nutritional requirements to cattle and sheep and need grains as part of their balanced diet. The exact specifications and standard for each animal can be found at www.soilassociation.org. There is more information about what the animals in the 'About Us' section.

  • Q
    Do your animals eat G.M feed?
    A

    No, organic standards prohibit the use of genectically modified products.

  • Q
    Do you use preservatives or additives in your meat?
    A

    None of our meat, sausages or burgers contains any additives or preservatives. We do use an organically approved cure to make our bacon and gammon which containts a small amount of E250 and E252.

  • Q
    We are concerned about how the animals are killed, how is this done?
    A

    So are we. All animals sold as meat are required by law to be killed under veterinary supervision to meet EU law and meat hyiene regulations. We are fortunate enough to hav one of the few ramaining small abattoirs not far from us, so we can transport the animals there in our trailer and reduce the stress as far as possible. This means that they are not kept for hours in pens at a large abattoir with hundreds of other animals and can be killed humanely using stunning, (Halal practices are not used in this abbatoir) on arrival. The carcasses are then chilled and brought back to our farm butchery sold room for hanging. Do contact us for further information.