More than 70 Liverymen and partners enjoyed the hospitality of the Master at the annual Summer Visit in the last week of June. This year we were treated to a packed programme of events around her home county of Staffordshire, which a show of hands revealed had not been visited by many before. Proceedings commenced with a visit to Castle Hayes Farm, courtesy of James and Rupert Major, where we saw state-of-the-art milk production from grass as well as the extraordinary crater caused by the largest non-nuclear explosion in history when 4,000t of stored munitions exploded by accident during WW2. The first day was rounded off by a black-tie dinner where the speaker was Tom Mercer, who regaled us with stories of his fascinating career and his successful Moma Foods business.
James Major shows the massive crater as it was in the 50s
Day two saw us exploring the diverse and hugely successful Mercer Farming business. From outdoor pigs and poultry production to the commercial lettings and charitable works, it was a tour de force of what a family business can achieve when a visionary leader (Roger) is supported by ambitious and entrepreneurial children (Robert and Alec). Giving young people real responsibility early on in their careers, and making them accountable for their decisions had been the key to the expansion of the impressive business.
Robert explains Mercer Farming to the group
The outdoor farrowing fields
We then made our way to an intimate service at St Leonard’s Church led by the Master’s Chaplain, followed by dinner at the Master’s home. This was a very lively affair, with the world-renowned Horn Dancers of Abbotts Bromley performing their unique act, accompanied at one stage by a herd of Past Masters. Lord Stafford entertained us with aristocratic anecdotes in a highly amusing after-dinner speech. The evening was rounded off by Sally Mercer and Friends singing a medley of catchy songs.
The Abbotts Bromley Horn Dancers at Karen’s home
On the final day, the group were fascinated to visit to Busby Partners at Chilcote. John started with an acre of PYO strawberries in 1976, and his two sons Phillip and Robert are also in the business. 110 acres of strawberries are produced on an efficient tabletop growing system and 9 acres of raspberries in grown in pots, both using coir substate. There is a borehole for the irrigation, with the water going through two plant rooms where the correct nutrients are added for the crops. A great focus is placed on biological control for the pests in the crops, rather than using insecticides. The pack house is impressive, with all fruit bring rapid chilled to below 5 degrees, before supplying Tesco and Sainsburys. Staff reaching 240 at peak times from Romania, Bulgaria and Nepal are all housed on site. Quite an operation.
Some of the delicious Busby fruit
We were all extremely privileged to visit such successful family farms and for them all to be so open about their businesses. In all cases attention to detail was of paramount importance. We all drove home with plenty to think about.
Pat and her team followed us around for the three days ensuring we were well fed and watered.
