Radnor Valley farm grows from meat boxes to Powys farm shop
A third-generation Powys farmer is encouraging others to sign up to a business programme.
Radnor Valley farmer, John Goodwin, credits the Farming Connect Agri Academy Business & Innovation programme for giving him the guidance and supportive networks to achieve ambitious new goals for himself and the family farm business.
Persuaded to apply in 2017 during a chance meeting with his local development officer, Natalie Chappelle, the experience proved the catalyst to what John says has been a transformational journey.
'Meeting so many experienced, knowledgeable farmers, business people, sector specialists and mentors inspired me to change my perspective on not only my personal aspirations, but they gave me confidence to 'set the bar higher' for the farm too.'
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John and his wife Jess's approach to farming 'greener' and utilising new technologies to increase profitability, continues to reach impressive new levels. The couple's achievements were recognised earlier this year when they won Lantra Cymru's prestigious 'Innovator of the Year' award.
John and Jess, who is also from a Welsh farming background, have built up an efficient, sustainable beef, sheep, pigs and arable farm business, at their 500-acre holding located between Presteigne and Knighton, based on their regenerative farming ethos.
Early adopters of biomass and solar energy, one of their most significant achievements has been developing their small-scale meat box business, which had been run largely from the farm kitchen, into a successful farm shop.
'The pandemic changed customer buying patterns and demand for our meat suddenly trebled virtually overnight,' says John.
'In order to capitalise on that opportunity but recognising we didn't have the resources to staff a shop, we sought strategic business advice from Farming Connect through the Advisory Service and attended numerous business-relevant events.'
Armed with optimistic financial forecasts and having simplified their livestock management system to free up time, the couple invested in a purpose-built shop at the end of their drive, installing cashless chilled vending machines. They also repurposed an outbuilding for packing and processing - Hindwell Farm Shop was in business.
'It was a significant financial commitment, but the shop is now a key source of income, which longer-term, will help provide a livelihood for our agri-student son George when he completes his studies.'
With three fresh and frozen vending machines installed, the popular 'self-service' shop now stocks not only the Goodwin's own farm-produced meat, but a wide range of local produce too.
'Being part of the Agri Academy proved a personal turning point for me,' says John.
'The Agri Academy changed my outlook on not just my own personal ambitions but for developing the farm in a sustainable way in readiness for George to eventually take over the reins – it's been a win-win for the whole family.'
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