Established 1953

Rectory Farm

Rectory Farm has been owned and run by the Hobbs family since 1953. Previously producing milk, wheat and barley, we transitioned to a beef herd in 1989 producing beef for supermarkets. Since 2021, Peter has led the farm's latest transition to a regenerative system which aims to farm in harmony with nature. 

The focus of our farm goes beyond just rearing our 75 native British beef shorthorn cattle, we take a holistic view to the environment and the role that our cows play in enhancing biodiversity - repopulating our hedgerows, reducing carbon emissions and increasing soil quality to the benefit of everyone in our community. 

Caring for cattle, crops and the countryside

Regenerative farming

Our fields don’t look like most farms, our grass is taller, our hedgerows are full of wildlife and our shorthorns move naturally through our land as they spend the majority of their time outdoors, grazing a mixture of parkland and grass fields on the outskirts of North Crawley. 

Peter’s regenerative system means we move the cows every 1-3 days to mimic natural cattle behaviours. We allow our grass to grow as tall as possible so the roots can grow deeper into the soil to access their own nutrients - this method means that we don’t need to use chemical fertilisers and sprays on our farm. 

a positive impact

Naturally good, from Pasture to Plate

Cattle are a great way to improve and maintain great quality soil. By allowing the cows to naturally graze and trample the grass under their hooves, they help us to begin the complex soil cycle which results in carbon capture and even prevents flooding. 

Field hedges are allowed to grow taller and wider, creating plentiful nesting sites for birds, more flowers for pollinating insects such as bees and butterflies and more fruit for birds like robins and field mice over winter. 

By encompassing nature in everything we do, Rectory Farm Beef is not only highly nutritious but benefits our local village environment too. 

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