Creating a family farming business at Brooklands Farm

Husband and wife team Dan and Sam started their tenancy at Brooklands Farm in 2015, an 80 acre farm on the edge of the New Forest. It’s a real family business with Dan’s parents living on the farm and active business partners. It’s predominately a beef holding with Dan and his father Paul, working away from the farm as agricultural contractors.

While their main focus is on the traditional farm business, they have also diversified into having a successful pick-your-own pumpkin and fireworks festival every October, as well as film nights and family fun days – even hosting a wedding. The family have found these events rewarding, bringing the farm to the heart of their local community and also providing an opportunity support local charities and to engage with local people on their farming practices.

Throughout their tenancy, Dan and Sam have appreciated the support of the Hampshire County Farms team, which has been particularly important with the demands of a young family.