Bridging Generations: A Young Farmer’s Journey to Welsh Heritage Pig Farm Ownership
In Brief:
- Hugh and Katharine Brookes, founders of Penlan Farm in Carmarthenshire, faced uncertainty as their children showed no interest in inheriting their successful Mangalitza herd business after six years of hard work.
- The ‘Start to Farm’ initiative, backed by the Welsh government-funded Farming Connect, provided a groundbreaking solution. It facilitated a shared farming agreement, connecting the experienced landowners with a passionate new entrant, Alice Bacon.
- The agreement involves Alice working 30 unpaid hours monthly and 40 paid hours, gradually acquiring ownership stakes in the Mangalitza herd. By 2024, she will own 9%, with the goal of reaching 49% within five years, ensuring a smooth transition and securing the farm’s future.
In the tranquil countryside of Carmarthenshire, Wales, a beacon of hope shines on Penlan Farm, home to the renowned Mangalitza herd.
The story unfolds with Hugh and Katharine Brookes, the visionary founders who, after six years of dedicated toil, faced an unexpected crossroads.
Their thriving business, with prestigious London restaurants among its clientele, held the promise of prosperity, yet an uncertain future loomed.
The reason? Their children, the assumed torchbearers of the family legacy, showed no inclination to inherit the farm.
“We knew we had a really good business, a business that has legs,” reminisces Katharine, her eyes reflecting the passion and dedication that went into building Penlan Farm.
The Mangalitza herd, a testament to their commitment, stood as a symbol of quality and excellence in the agricultural landscape.
Despite this success, the Brookes acknowledged their life stage and questioned their ability to lead the farm into its next phase of growth.
Then came a transformative moment with the introduction of the ‘Start to Farm’ initiative, a visionary project spearheaded by the Welsh government-funded Farming Connect.
This groundbreaking program aimed to bridge the gap between established landowners looking to step back from the industry and aspiring new entrants seeking an opportunity.
It provided not just a financial push for business planning and legal guidance but also catalyzed innovative partnerships.
Enter Alice Bacon, a name synonymous with passion and a deep-seated love for agriculture. Initially engaged to assist with feeding the Mangalitza herd, Alice lived in Clynderwen, a mere 30-minute drive from the farm. What made her a standout candidate was not just her proximity but her innate initiative.
“The reason we knew she was the stand-out candidate was because she is someone who uses her initiative,” explains Katharine.
From fixing a broken water trough to managing pigs in the wrong pens, Alice demonstrated a level of dedication that spoke volumes.
The ‘Start to Farm’ initiative, acting as the conduit for this transformative partnership, facilitated the crafting of a share farming agreement, officially signed in April 2023.
Under this agreement, Alice committed 30 unpaid hours every month to the farm and an additional 40 hours for fair compensation.
In return for her dedicated contributions, Alice would gradually acquire ownership stakes in the Mangalitza herd.
“It had never felt like work, working with the pigs,” remarks Alice, expressing her genuine joy and commitment to the shared endeavour.
The innovative arrangement set a clear trajectory: by April 4, 2024, Alice would hold a 9% stake in the stock.
The journey, however, didn’t end there. Over the next five years, her ownership share would incrementally rise to an impressive 49%, marking a gradual but intentional transition.
The ultimate vision, as articulated by Hugh, was to evaluate the landscape by 2024 and consider a complete handover.
“At that point, we will look at how we move the business over to Alice completely so that she becomes the sole owner,” he explains, underlining the long-term commitment and trust placed in their chosen successor.
Both parties underscore the paramount importance of transparent communication in making the share-farming agreement work.
Formal meetings every two months provide a structured platform for discussions, ensuring that issues, both big and small, are addressed promptly.
Alice reflects on insights gained from a Farming Connect Business Bootcamp, where she learned that poor communication was often the stumbling block in similar arrangements.
“Communication is key. If something is not working, it’s really important to address it; otherwise, it is never going to work out in the long term,” she wisely acknowledges.
The collaborative spirit between Hugh, Katharine, and Alice goes beyond the mere transfer of ownership. It represents a meeting of generations, where experience and youthful enthusiasm converge to create a harmonious synergy.
Alice injects fresh ideas and perspectives into the business, invigorating it with new energy.
In return, she gains invaluable insights and knowledge from the seasoned farmers, forming a dynamic partnership that goes beyond the transactional.
The success of this unconventional yet forward-thinking collaboration extends beyond the boundaries of Penlan Farm. It serves as a beacon of hope for other farms grappling with succession challenges.
The ‘Start to Farm’ initiative, with its visionary approach, not only addressed the immediate needs of Penlan Farm but set a precedent for sustainable partnerships that empower the next generation of farmers.
In conclusion, the story of Penlan Farm is not just about securing the future of a heritage pig farm; it’s a testament to the power of innovation, collaboration, and trust.
It’s a narrative where tradition meets transformation, and the future is shaped not by rigid structures but by adaptive partnerships that recognize the strengths of each contributor.
As Alice takes on increasing ownership, she not only becomes the steward of the Mangalitza herd but also a torchbearer for a new era in Welsh agriculture.
