OUR STORY

Discover the difference with Higher Bridge Farm. Our dedication to ethical farming and traditional methods sets us apart. We offer a range of premium Aberdeen Angus beef cuts, all 100% grass fed and free-range. We are passionate about delivering exceptional products while upholding the values of sustainability and animal welfare.

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About Us

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We are Simon and Sara Barrett and we farm at Higher Bridge Farm where Simon grew up.  Unfortunately, Simon’s Dad was unwell and was unable to manage the farm and by the time Simon left school the farm had been let to our neighbours.

 

After 45 years our neighbours retired and the land became available.  We had worked in property and law firms and were both looking for something new to do and so decided to take the plunge and “go farming”.

 

Although we had always lived in the farmhouse and maintained close relationships with our farming neighbours, much had changed in the time since Simon grew up on the farm. It was with more than a little trepidation that we set off to the local cattle market to buy our first cattle in the early summer of 2017.

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Our first cattle

 

We returned from our first visit to the local cattle market physically and emotionally drained, but triumphant with 13 Aberdeen Angus steers about nine months old. We thought they were the best cattle ever to have been born!

 

We let them out of the cattle box into the yard and after 30 years living at the farmhouse and looking over the gate at our neighbours’ cattle we finally leaned on the gate to look at our own. A moment for a hug! Our new life as farmers

had started!

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We raised our first group of 13 without significant mishap and encouraged, we bought some more eight month old steers from neighbours.  
 

Milk Calves

 

We progressed from buying older calves to buying ten days old calves from a local dairy farm and raising them on milk replacement powder.  Although very hard work, the milk calves were by far the most rewarding.  They are very cute!

 

Young life on the farm is a joy and we became captivated with the possibility of having our own calves born on the farm.

 

We made contact with the Kingstone Angus herd who had some surplus cows available and bought six cows, confirmed pregnant with six heifer calves suckling them known as “calves at foot”.

 

Axton Aberdeen Angus

 

Our six cows, Parri, Ronnie, Tessi, Elucy, Ellie and Vanda and their daughters Em, Trixie, Tessa, Lacey, Elexa and Xanthe came to us registered with the Aberdeen Angus Cattle Society as confirmed pedigree Aberdeen Angus.

 

To register our new herd we must have a herd name, which is “Axton” from the address of the farm, Axe Road and the village of Drimpton. These cows and their daughters are the foundation of the suckler herd we have today.

 

The cows all had their calves successfully and of the six we have two heifers who have joined the herd. The daughters who came with their mothers have also had calves and their daughters have joined their mothers and grandmothers in the herd.

 

The bull calves have now matured to be ready to enter the food chain.

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Sheep

 

Sheep are an entirely new venture for us.  Although Simon’s parents had cattle there were never any sheep on the farm when he was a boy.  We are therefore very lucky that our neighbours are very experienced sheep farmers and are very generous with their knowledge.

 

We have a small flock of 12 Pedigree Poll Dorset ewes.  The sheep play an important role in managing the grazing because they “nibble” much closer to the ground than cattle and clear up old grass that cattle will not eat. 

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Our Values

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As it becomes apparent that the world faces a ‘biodiversity crisis’, we must all do our bit. We are committed to using our opportunity as custodians of our little corner of Dorset to do what we can. To protect and improve the biodiversity of the farm, we have adopted the principles of ‘Regenerative Agriculture’ in the way we manage the land.

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Animal Welfare

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It is important to us that our livestock are as healthy and happy as possible. We do not shut our cattle or sheep into sheds or onto concrete yards, but ensure that there is shelter available, either a building or natural shelter provided by trees and hedges. The animals are free to roam and can choose to go into the shelter or stay outside.