More and more farms are turning wasted space into a simple, stress-free self-storage business – could this low maintenance business idea work for you?

Setting up a self-storage business doesn’t need to be a big endeavour or come with a huge financial outlay, instead it can grow when you have the demand.

It requires a few key things on a farm: good access, hard-standing, plus a reliable supply of shipping containers – this final element is where Container People Storage can come in.

For decades, this small, family business has helped farmers set up successful self-storage enterprises that grow at a pace suited to the farm in question. These side hustles often start with one or two shipping containers, with more ordered when a new customer comes along. Over time, a farm can create a successful self-storage setup that results in a sizeable income.

Paul, co-founder of Container People Storage, says: “The beauty of starting a self-storage business is it’s adaptable to any budget and set up. You don’t need big buildings to house the shipping containers, they’re made to be transported across oceans, so the rain and wind won’t bother them. All you really need is a suitable piece of land and good access.”

So, how can you make this work for your farm?

Key considerations

The site: Is the ground level and hardstanding, otherwise the doors on the shipping container might warp over time. There could also be delivery issues as the haulage vehicles are heavy.

Dimensions: What size suits you? Containers are available as 10, 20 or 40ft, they’re all 8ft 6ins high and 8ft wide.

Security: Containers all have lockboxes for padlocks, which you can supply to customers. But will you have gates that can be locked, ensuring you’re in control of who comes and goes?

Costs: Rental costs from Container People Storage start at £10 per week +VAT. Self-storage costs charged by farms, are far higher – take a look to see what people charge locally to get an idea of what you could charge. 

Outlay: If you rent containers from Container People Storage, you would need to pay the return haulage upfront and then a monthly rental invoice per unit. If you can take two containers at a time, the haulage cost is better value. Used containers aren’t pristine but are cheaper – an option worth considering.

Insurance: Public liability insurance will be needed to protect you and anyone visiting your site.

Paul says: “We recommend 20ft containers as they are the best value to rent, buy and in terms of haulage. I also suggest starting small and building up over time when the demand is there. You don’t need 20 containers on day one, you can add new containers to your site when demand picks up.

“We’ve seen this method work out so well for farmers in the past. Some start out renting from us and then buy the containers when they’ve built up funds. But some rent long term as it is more convenient.”

If this sounds like it could work for your farm, you can get in touch with Container People Storage for more information on 07812 374 290 or head to its website and send your details.

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Given the current climate within the UK farming industry, Woodpecker Tubs says it is helping to change the landscape to ensure farms are able to grow and develop – especially when they are downsizing or even leaving the industry due to restrictions and taxation burdens.

For many at this time, it is the end of the road, which is incredibly sad when there have been multi-generational farmers on the same sites for a very long time.

That said, it shouldn’t be about what the current landscape looks like – but more about how you can make a ‘value for money return’ on your future investments, without having to worry about excessive effort, or whether your yield from crops or animals will be enough to survive now or in the years ahead.

Sustainability

So how can Woodpecker Tubs help out? The answer is simpler than you think, the company reckons.

It supports farmers right across the UK with their enquiries about hot tubs, saunas and accommodation units, change of uses for farming, setting up glamping operations, offering mixed operations where farmers still farm and run the glamping operations as a side entity.

This means they are able to grow and still earn a valuable income stream which makes everything more sustainable, not only for themselves, but for the future of the farm and farming industry, which is constantly evolving on a daily basis.

Importantly for the team at Woodpecker, it also has its own sustainability angle in terms of its production methods. The company says its products are virtually carbon neutral, and it uses only the best wood available to ensure that it meets and exceeds the needs of its customers and provides a high level of quality on a consistent basis.

Whether customers want to design their own bespoke range for their sites, or want Woodpecker to develop one of its existing products to suit their particular needs, nothing is impossible. Especially when the company creates, designs and develops its products with customers and end consumers in mind.

Furthermore, it is important that it tries to help customers and potential customers by having almost a ‘one stop shop’ offering for everyone to explore – whether they want to set up a glamping operation, have their own cottage or farm buildings as part of an Airbnb or similar offering, or they are alternatively looking to diversify into becoming a ‘partner’ with Woodpecker and offer its products.

Industry knowledge

The company is also proud to be able to offer customers extras that include industry knowledge.

It is part of the Glamping Industry Trade Association (GITA UK founding members) as well as having other services including partnerships with a shepherd hut company based in Lincolnshire, and advisory services when it comes to planning support and guidance.

Plus, the added benefit of almost 20 years’ experience within the industry enabling the company to support the diversification efforts of farmers regardless of where they are on their farming journeys.

Proper planning

Woodpecker says: “The most important thing that we say to farmers who are looking at changing or diversifying away from a full scale farming operation is that it needs to be planned properly by making sure that you have spoken to the local council and their planners, sought advice from the proper channels in terms of planning advisors, and then decided what is finally possible.

“You don’t want to overspend on products, nor do you want to have poor quality products, which there are many of in the hot tub, sauna and accommodation products market.

“With us, because we are not a reseller, and are manufacturers, you definitely won’t be overpaying for anything, as there is ‘no middle chunk’ to pay, and therefore you really are getting a ‘value for money’ service.”

To find out more visit: www.woodpeckertubs.co.uk.

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Having run farm shops, a pub, and most recently an eco lodge and online meat business, Ben Aveling is a realist about diversification – but remains a “sucker for a new idea”.

Radmore Farm in Towcester, Northamptonshire, was originally a large pig farm and they began selling their own pig meat and other produce in a farm shop in Cambridge city centre around 20 years ago – with their own on-farm butchery.

The farm shop was originally set up to give Ben’s wife and sister, whose parents own the farm, a foothold in the farming business.

From there, they bought a local pub, with the experience having much in common with Jeremy Clarkson’s purchase of The Farmer’s Dog, which features in the latest series of Clarkson’s Farm. 

“We’ve been watching Clarkson’s Farm and it’s been quite funny because he’s following a very similar thing to what we did 10-15 years ago or more. Our local pub come up for sale and it was an absolute wreck, a bit like in the TV show,” Ben told the Farmers Guide Podcast.

“We tried to get it off the ground and over time opened a restaurant and sold our own produce through that.”

Listen to Ben’s insights on diversification:

Visit our podcast page to hear the full interview.

“We had to move on from the shop”

With livestock having fallen to quite a low level on the farm by 2018, their success with the farm shop allowed them to invest back into the farm, in the infrastructure for glamping, and building the livestock numbers back up. 

Having moved premises, the farm shop closed when covid-19 restrictions eased and footfall dropped. They felt that glamping would help to spread their risk, with the first guest arriving at the eco lodge in June 2022.

“We got to the stage where we had to move on from the shop. So over time we managed to get through that and then about a year later I built a new website to try and plug the gap of the shop,” Ben explained.

“We deliver meats from our farm and buy some from local farms if we’re short. We now deliver it nationwide around the country and that’s actually going really well.”

Ben uses social media and YouTube to promote the online store, but doesn’t really ‘sell’.

“I don’t do that much pushing of products. I don’t really sell. I do the occasional advert maybe once a week or something just to tell people what’s on this week but actually what’s really interesting is by just being present and just doing farm videos I get far more orders than if I just did ‘order now’ videos.”

Deeply saddening profitability issues

Commenting on the profitability challenges facing farmers and the growing need to diversify, Ben said: “It’s deeply saddening first and foremost.

“I think the whole situation of farming is surrounded by a real narrative of doom and gloom and you’re told that you have to diversify and sometimes it’s true and sometimes it’s not.

“There’s a lot about diversification that I don’t like and that if I could change, I would. 

“I would say that if farmers are being told they should diversify, in my opinion, it probably is more often than not by someone who has never diversified before.”

Taking time away from farming jobs

Ben spoke frankly of the downsides of diversification, particularly the time taken away from the farming business, and towards non-farming tasks.

“Doing the glamping is not even close to farming. No farmer wants to change beds and clean toilets and wash out the fridge. 

“With the glamping it’s actually quite a lot of work and you’re welcoming people onto your farm who, not all the time but quite often, have no clue about the countryside and it can be quite stressful.”

He added: “One of the worst things about it is when you end up having to do the diversified job instead of a job that needs to be done on the farm and then you think to yourself, actually the farm’s suffering.”

Glamping has been the biggest culture shift, he explained, whereas the meat and farm shop businesses align more closely. 

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Investment challenges 

Start-up costs are another issue and a barrier for many farmers, he noted. “The revenue streams, in my case with some of the diversifications I’ve done, you’ve never really made anything because of the heavy start-up investment. 

“You can’t do anything without significant figures of money going into it in the first place and you’re lucky if you see your return in 10 years.”

He added: “If I could afford it, I’d diversify into most things. It’s just that it requires so much money. Most farmers aren’t in a position to actually do it. You’re told by the government, just set up a farm shop. Well, OK, how do you do that?”

“[…] You’ve really got to make sure that you can afford to do it in the first place, and ideally without having to borrow anything because that’s where it really kicks you in the teeth because obviously you’re paying money on money.”

There’s also a question mark over whether it’s best to invest that money into the farming business, or diversification – and there’s no easy answer. 

“We have this question a lot where my father-in-law and I chat and we’ll say back in 2005, 2006, we might have been better off if we’d have put anything close to what we invested in diversification into efficiencies and equipment and things like this on the farm, and just trying to grow an extra 1 tonne/acre of corn.

“It’s one of those things where we’ll never know the answer to that, but sometimes it feels like we know the answer and it’s quite sad,” Ben said.

“But again we need to make sure that we are covering our possible losses by doing different things. And in all fairness, I quite like variety, so I don’t mind.”

It will always take more time than you think

For those considering a new diversification, Ben emphasised that it will always take more time than you think, so really think about what value it will bring to your business.

“I might have someone call up saying there’s a problem. I was going to go and do the worming, but now the sheep will just have to wait and at harvest time or haymaking time you have a very real time pressure, but you have to get your orders out for a certain day because people have ordered them.

“So the irony is to try and make your farm survive, you’re putting it last.

“Over time you get used to it and we’ve got systems in place but especially at first it’s hard.”

Dealing with the public for the first time is also a steep learning curve. “People can be quite happy to complain; we have Airbnb and you can get negative reviews which can really impact your rating.”

Choosing a business you like is key, Ben added, and if you outsource tasks you don’t like, it comes at massive cost – and staff will never do it like you do.

“That was something that happened with the shop. I thought by replacing myself in our shop over time, it would stay the same, but actually you don’t realise in a face-to-face business, for example, like a shop on your farm, people are actually coming to see you. If you’re not there two or three times in a row, they might just stop coming.”

Future generations

Despite the challenges, Ben says he’s a sucker for a new idea. 

Asked what diversification he would do if money and logistics was no object he said: “I’d love to be able to personally sell just about everything that we produce.

“So if we produce oats, I’d love to sell packaged oats. If we produce milling wheat, I’d love to have a form of cracked wheat cereal. And if we do straw I’ll have little straw bales for garden centres. And the list goes on.”

Another goal is to move away from one-man band territory, and grow the business enough to outsource the less skilled work to staff.

But much of the farm’s diversifications are also led by the younger generations of the family. 

“My middle son, Leo, he’s obsessed with the farm and he’s got loads of ideas that he wants to do. He’s only nine, but it won’t be long, 10 years, before he’s old enough to be part of the working farm.

“So we’ve got 10 years to think about how he wants to do it. A lot of the diversification projects are geared towards that as well and we’ve got nieces and nephews who might be interested as well. 

“I’m always trying to think of the family, really.”

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Those who have seen the recently released F1 movie, starring Brad Pitt, could spot farmer Richard Heady as he makes a cameo appearance helping move cattle across a country road. 

Filming took place at his 1,000-acre farm, and a neighbouring farm, nearly two years ago and the film was released in late June, having been delayed by the actors’ strike over AI. Cattle were brought onto the mixed farm from Dorset for the scene.

Speaking to Farmers Guide, Richard, of WF Heady & Sons, said: “It was such a short scene but they had the road shut for about three days, they had catering units up there, car parks and makeup and all sorts going on, and the helicopter shots. It was really interesting to be involved with.”

Sharing one story from filming he recalled when producers wanted to take the car to the art department to add the appearance of mud. “My wife sent them up a farm track and said ‘there’s a puddle up there just go and drive through a few times.’”

Filming was taking place near to the Milton Keynes farm and the production company were looking for a country road, so they approached Richard via a neighbour.

“We were very lucky [filming] came in between harvesting the barley and starting on the wheat, so it was perfect timing and meant I had a day or two to spend up there with them.

“I did a lot of moving stuff around with a loader and provided hurdles for the cattle.”

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Good conversations about British farming

Commenting on meeting Brad Pitt, Richard said: “He was very cool. He wasn’t overly talkative, but he was very happy to have a brief chat.

“Being a farmer, I tried to explain to him about the field of beans that were surrounding him and what they were going to be used for, and he didn’t seem overly interested in that. But he did say he’d never worked with livestock before.

“His co-star Kerry Condon was really interested in the cattle. She came over between scenes and was asking about them.”

He added: “It’s nice to do something different, meet different people. There was a lot of people who didn’t know anything about farming and we had some really good conversations with them about British-grown food and how livestock actually have an important role in the countryside.”

He credited Just Farmers – a community interest company that offers media training to farmers and links them with journalists – for giving him the courage to “say yes to mad opportunities.”

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When Diane Scott wanted an extra revenue stream to complement her husband’s dairy business, she needed a lender who would take the time to understand how her new egg production venture would work.

Rather than going to a bank which might just rely on AI algorithms, Diane was keen to find a lending organisation who, she explains, “could see what I was trying to do and how I was trying to do it”.

Her accountant recommended Rural Asset Finance – a company specialising in supporting farm businesses, who know the day-to-day challenges because their staff have either run farms themselves or come from farming families. “They immediately understood what I was talking about and what I wanted to achieve,” Diane says.

The team used their decades of first-hand farming experience to run an in-depth analysis of Diane’s egg production business case, her financial forecasts and the project’s stakeholders before coming up with a three-fold solution to give her the funding she needed to launch her company Littlemount Eggs Ltd in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland.

Quick approval

“First we consolidated and increased the couple’s historic farm mortgage,” explains Rural Asset Finance CEO Matthew Smart, “to give them a new, more affordable long-term loan which funded the build of the new chicken house and its associated infrastructure.

“Then we provided a multi-asset hire-purchase agreement, combined with a DAERA grant, to finance a state-of-the-art, 135m, multi-layer poultry shed that housed the birds to the highest free-range standards.

“Further equipment leasing facilities then added a solar array to the chicken shed roof, a back-up generator and an automatic egg packer and stacker.”

And because Rural Asset Finance has its own in-house legal and compliance teams, the company was able to process and approve Diane’s application quickly. It all meant she was soon able to welcome her flock of Lohmann chickens.

“We were approved quickly and the money came through soon after that,” she says. “Rural Asset Finance were really professional and efficient. Their communication was outstanding throughout, keeping us in the picture every step of the way. “But it’s more than that – it’s their personal, customer service,” adds Diane.

“They have been so supportive and so interested in what we’re doing – and they still are. The types of questions they ask and the conversations we have with them show that they properly understand farmers.”

Now, Littlemount is providing 24,000 eggs per day to retailers, hotels and other customers across Northern Ireland.

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Created by the team behind the magazine you trust, the Farmers Guide Podcast will bring real-world stories, expert advice, and a connection to the outside world, wherever you are.

Whether you’re in the cab, walking the fields, or grabbing a quick break (as if!), our new podcast will be your companion. Easy to listen to, packed with useful content, and designed with the realities of busy farming lives in mind.

Why a podcast?

We know how precious your time is. With all the pressures of farming life, it’s not always easy to find a moment to sit down with a magazine or scroll through the latest headlines and stories – but a podcast is something that can fit naturally into your day. Perhaps more importantly, it allows us to give the voices of our readers – real farmers – a platform to be heard, something we know you’ll feel is becoming more and more critical.

What to expect

Each episode will be long enough to dig into a subject properly, but short enough to fit into your working day and not become a drag.

We’ll be mixing things up to keep it fresh, topical, and interesting. Here’s a taste of what you can expect:

Real farming stories – Conversations with farmers, contractors, and industry figures who are shaping the future of British agriculture.

Technical deep dives – Focused episodes on key topics like precision farming, animal health, soil health, new machinery, and the latest technology trends.

News bulletins – A quick, no-nonsense round up of the biggest stories, market movements, and developments from the world of farming.

Special features – Seasonal updates, event previews and roundups, and even a few looks back into the Farmers Guide archives.

The podcast will be hosted by Farmers Guide machinery reporter Daniel Hodge and livestock editor and deputy editor Sarah Kidby, who together bring a blend of technical knowledge, sector expertise, and a genuine passion for the industry. Along the way, they’ll be joined by guests who live and breathe farming, ensuring that every episode is grounded, practical, relevant, and worth hearing!

Kicking off with diversification

For our first episode, to be released on 1st July, we’re tackling a hot topic: farm diversification. With serious pressure on traditional incomes and the seemingly ever growing need to build resilience into farming businesses, more farmers than ever are looking at alternative ways to generate revenue.

From potentially controversial renewable energy projects to farm shops, self-storage, holiday lets, and alternative crops, diversification can take many forms. However, it’s not without substantial challenges. In this episode, we’ll explore the main considerations, hear from farmers who’ve successfully diversified, and speak to expert advisers about how to get started.

Whether you’ve already diversified or you’re just curious about what’s possible, it’s a must-listen.

How to tune in

The Farmers Guide Podcast will be available on all major platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, as well as on our own website. New episodes will drop every month, with occasional special features sprinkled (or sprayed!) here and there along the way.

Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode, and if you like what you hear, leave us a review or share the podcast with friends, family, and fellow farmers.

We want to hear from you

The podcast is about farming, but more importantly, we want it to be about your farming stories. We’d love to hear your ideas, feedback, and suggestions for future episodes. Got a topic you’d like us to cover? A question you’d love answered? A soundbite you want to share from your farm?

Drop us a message on our social media channels or email us at podcasts@farmersguide.co.uk.

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“I am yet to visit a farming estate or smallholding that did not have potential. Whether it’s creating new income streams by converting barns into holiday lets, or creating new commercial spaces for businesses, there is often opportunity to create value while retaining ownership of the land,” said Matt Sawyer, an architect and land promoter, and founder of Stone Acre Land Potential.

As well as conversions and change of use, the current government’s changes to the planning system could offer opportunities, he added.

“They’ve hit farmers in other ways, but, put bluntly, the government is forcing local councils to approve more houses, so with the right strategy and approach this can work in the landowner’s favour.

“In-fill housing, or rounding-off existing settlements is an excellent way to maximise land-use and value, without fundamentally changing the character of a place.

“The recent changes to five-year land supply rules mean many councils are soon to pursue a new call-for sites, creating real opportunities for organised landowners.”

Strategic Planning Appraisal

Matt explained how Stone Acre works with landowners to review potential. “We begin with a phone call, no obligations, to make sure we are on the same page. You can’t beat discussing the options eye-to-eye, so a meeting would follow where we walk the land, and get a feel for the context.

“If it’s a no-hoper, we make that clear at this stage, but if there’s potential, we do a deep-dive, providing a breakdown of the options, reviewing local planning policy, political context of the council, previous approvals, and anything that can influence, help or hinder.”

Stone Acre calls this a Strategic Planning Appraisal. “It allows landowners to review all the available routes before embarking on the journey. With a clear step-by-step breakdown of options, estimated costs and timescales, this provides total clarity at the beginning, the best way to start a project.”

Matt emphasised that Stone Acre is not a developer – “most of whom only want to drive down the value of your land, nor are we suits from London, who only understand the bottom line.

“We are from and of the countryside. We understand the economics of land, but also in terms of legacy and what it means to the people who have worked it, often for generations.

“Whatever your ambitions for your land, the key is you cannot fatten a pig on market day, you need to be planning ahead with a clear strategy in place – this is where we can help; your land, your legacy, our expertise.”

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Whilst there are lots of headlines around vertical farming, there are many other examples of controlled environment agriculture (CEA) – with a spectrum ranging from lower-tech, less costly options such as soil-based polytunnels, all the way up to artificial light and vertical farming.

In between, there are almost infinite options, said Mark Horler, founder and chairman of UK Urban AgriTech, speaking at a recent Agri-TechE webinar.

Choosing the appropriate level of technology for your farm, and thinking about how it fits with your existing business is key, he emphasised, also noting that CEA doesn’t have to be seed to sale.

For example, you could use vertical farming for propagation, then send the plant to a glasshouse or polytunnel to achieve a faster or more consistent crop. 

Knowing your market is also essential for success, he added. Whether it’s supplying edible flowers to the Michelin-star restaurant down the road, or selling lettuce in a farm shop, you need the appropriate technology for your venture, and make sure the market it there.

CEA tends to focus on salad crops and soft fruits but the number of crops can be almost unlimited, Mr Horler continued.

For example, a project with Surrey University is looking to speed up willow production in a glasshouse/polytunnel environment. Plant-based proteins and medicinal crops offer good margins if you can find the market in your area. 

CEA: What to consider

There is lots to consider though, with energy, labour and capital cost being the biggest challenges, he added. You should consider ways to take out some of the energy costs, and design it in from the beginning, as retrofitting will be very difficult.

Meanwhile, think about the labour you’ll need and plan for it – not just for growing and picking the crop but packing and logistics too.

When it comes to capital cost, the higher up the tech spectrum you go, the higher the cost will be – if a polytunnel with simple A-frame hydroponics works for you, don’t spend money you don’t need to, he added.

Other key considerations are: do you have somewhere suitable to locate it, with sufficient power? Is it environmentally sound? Can it be profitable?

Finally, Mr Horler advised working with institutions who can help with the adoption to take some of the risk away, and some funding is also available.

READ MORE: Embrace farm diversification and improve farm profitability
READ MORE: Northamptonshire farm diversifies to put spotlight on endangered species

Insect farming

It’s estimated that the amount of food waste needing treatment in the UK will double by 2030, with the Simpler Recycling Scheme meaning that by the end of 2028, organic waste will no longer be sent to landfill.

The Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association estimates that the capacity for organic waste treatment will fall short by 1.4 million tonnes by 2030.

With this in mind, Larry Kotch, CEO of Flybox, discussed how vertical farming of invertebrates could offer a solution to this problem, whilst creating an additional revenue stream.

Black soldier flies are the best insect for waste management and will eat a wide variety of things – such as fruit and vegetable waste, breads, grain husks, eggs and dairy waste, he explained.

There are some regulatory limits in the UK and insects will not eat anything cellulose-based. 

Explaining the process, he said feedstock is put into trays in a controlled environment such as the units supplied by Flybox, and five-day-old seedlings are placed on top, getting through the waste in a matter of days. What is left is a 3-3-3 biofertiliser which is also a biopesticide.

Grown larvae is then sieved from the frass, which can be self-pasteurised or pasteurised in a self-composting process and sold. 

Key end markets for the larvae produced are pet food and aqua, while there are also good margins for frass in the organic fertiliser world.

Mr Kotch concluded: “We’re still lighting our waste on fire; we want to match increasing expectations of regulators and consumers to do more with waste in a profitable way.”

DIY biologicals

Joanne Neary, senior technical lead at the Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) noted that biologicals are a growing market due to the increasing trend for sustainable farming practices, as well as rising pest resistance. 

On-farm production of biologicals, for on-farm use only, is unregulated – but these cannot be sold to third parties, she said. Bacteria and fungi are the easiest to grow in this context and it’s usually barrel fermented, unlike the aseptic stainless-steel bioreactors used in commercial production.

Additionally, shelf life will be days to weeks with a farm-produced biological, with high levels of contamination likely, so they are for immediate use.

Whilst you might not get exactly what you want in terms of the development or morphology of the cell, they are cheap compared to buying commercial products for small family farms, Joanne concluded. 

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UK Agricultural Finance supports these transformative initiatives with dedicated farm diversification finance options. This specialised financial support enables farmers to broaden their business scope, adapting traditional farming operations into dynamic, multi-functional enterprises that can thrive in today’s diverse economic landscape.

The UK Agricultural Finance team was recently approached via a broker by a multi-generational dairy farm known for its prize-winning Holstein Friesian cows.

They were seeking a loan to restructure existing debt and support new investment in both a farm diversification project and infrastructure upgrades, both of which would improve the farm’s profitability. Located in stunning countryside while also benefiting from good connections to regional hubs, the farm was well positioned to attract tourists.

Previously, the farm sold their milk via a local cheese producer, but they had recently moved to a more lucrative contract with a well-known ice cream brand, significantly boosting its profitability.

The farm is owned and run by a father-and-son team. The son joined the family business following the retirement of his grandfather, returning to the farm armed with fresh insights from agricultural college. He now spearheads these profitability initiatives.

With plans to expand their current tourism business with the addition of glamping pods, the borrowers aim to further diversify and enhance the farm’s revenue streams, continually exploring new opportunities within their farming network.

Traditional farming alongside diversification

Traditional dairy farming continues to be a substantial part of the borrower’s business, complemented by strategic diversification efforts. The farm’s primary income stems from producing 10,000 litres of milk annually and is supplemented by selling high-quality, champion cows and A-grade embryos, with a waiting list for cows in operation due to their reputation.

Contractual arrangements with notable brands, such as their ice cream contract, require grazing under specific conditions. They sustain and expand their herd internally, growing most of the feed on-site by leveraging their well-draining soil, which maintains field quality despite variable weather.

The farm also cultivates maize, used both as silage and a starch-rich, cost-effective feed for their lactating and finishing cattle during leaner months. Additionally, the farm has established a lucrative connection with Pitstop, which supplies premium quality meat directly to McDonald’s.

These mixed income streams not only stabilise their financial base but also highlight the farm’s adept manoeuvring through the economic challenges of traditional farming, setting a solid foundation for its diversification into glamping and other ventures, UK Agricultural Finance explained.

Glamping as diversification strategy

Glamping, a luxurious form of camping, was chosen by the farm as a diversification strategy to complement their traditional farming activities and tap into the growing market for unique, rural tourist experiences.

Recognising the farm’s picturesque setting and existing infrastructure, the decision was made to develop glamping facilities that could attract a different clientele than their usual agricultural business. Initial steps included leveraging an existing caravan and campsite area that accommodated up to 11 caravans.

Plans are underway to enhance this offering by installing a new block with shower facilities, which will allow them to increase fees and enhance the guest experience. This development not only diversifies income but also maximises the use of their land throughout the year.

Utilising financial support from UK Agricultural Finance and grants

UK Agricultural Finance played a pivotal role in enabling the farm’s transition to more profitable and sustainable practices.

The financial support provided allowed for significant infrastructure enhancements, including the installation of solar panels and upgrading to a three-phase electrical system, substantially reducing energy costs. Additionally, leveraging a 25% grant helped in implementing these energy solutions economically.

Further financial aid was utilised for the renovation of the calf house, supported by a 40% grant, enhancing operational efficiency.

This grant, coupled with the tailored loan, facilitated debt consolidation and funded the development of glamping facilities, which expanded the farm’s revenue streams without disclosing precise financial terms. This strategic use of grants alongside loans underscores how external financing can effectively support agricultural diversification and infrastructure development, the company explained.

Impact and benefits of glamping on farm

The farm owners said that the introduction of glamping has significantly enhanced the farm’s financial landscape, introducing a lucrative new income stream and attracting a high volume of visitors.

This diversification strategy has not only increased the farm’s profitability but has also improved sustainability by maximising land use and reducing off-farm work reliance. By involving family members, such as adult children and spouses, glamping allows for the creation of integrated family roles, reducing the need for external employment.

This setup provides a practical example for other farms considering diversification to bolster resilience and adapt to the evolving agricultural sector, the UK Agricultural Finance team said.

Future outlook and farm diversification expansion plans

The future outlook for the farm’s diversification into glamping is promising, with plans to expand the existing facilities to accommodate more guests and enhance their experience. The farm’s strategy includes adding more luxurious amenities and potentially exploring eco-friendly practices that further align with sustainable tourism trends.

Furthermore, there is enthusiasm for introducing additional recreational activities, such as nature trails and farm-to-table dining experiences, which would not only increase guest engagement but also promote local agriculture.

The success of this farm’s diversification into glamping underscores the vital role of diversification in sustaining modern farming operations.

The UK Agricultural Finance team said that they stand ready to support such transitions, providing tailored financial solutions that help farms transform their operations and embrace new opportunities.

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Set against the breathtaking backdrop of 500,000 sunflowers and over 50 million wildflowers, The Last Footprint by Erik Schmitz features nine large-scale sculptures crafted entirely from sustainable and reclaimed materials, including timber from the Gurney family farm in Milton Keynes and offcuts donated by Linnell Bros Timber Merchants in Towcester. 

Each piece of the exhibition represents a species that is considered to be vulnerable to extinction in the wild. In total there are nine giant sculptures, including the iconic giant panda, Asian elephant, lowland gorilla and black rhinoceros.  

There is also a focus on lesser-known endangered species, including the Californian condor, European eel, Amur leopard, green sea turtle and giant pangolin. The sculptures form a moving tribute to the fragile beauty of the natural world and the impact each life leaves behind. 

The Last Footprint brings a new dimension to The Patch MK, a farm attraction created by Joe and Rosalyn Gurney, fourth-generation farmers who have transformed part of their land just outside Milton Keynes into a vibrant, family-focused destination.

Each year, the couple that owns Mount Mill Farm strive to bring a unique attraction to their flower fields, and this year they decided to combine their passions for art and wildlife by designing the unique sculpture exhibition. 

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Rosalyn Gurney said: “We’ve always wanted The Patch to be about more than just a fun day out. It’s about creating meaningful memories, and this installation is exactly that.  

“It’s beautiful, yes, but it’s also thought-provoking and deeply moving. We are looking forward to seeing these imposing sculptures against the backdrop of our gorgeous sunflowers as they go through their lifecycle from bud to bloom.” 

Since opening just a few years ago, The Patch MK has grown into one of the region’s most loved seasonal experiences, home to millions of flowers each summer and thousands of pumpkins in the autumn. 

Visitors can explore flower fields, get lost in sensory-rich maize mazes, and now, reflect on conservation through this extraordinary new installation. 

Joe Gurney added that whether you’re an art lover, a family seeking summer adventures, or a nature enthusiast, The Last Footprint offers something unique: an immersive experience that blends environmental awareness with the joy of outdoor discovery. 

“It’s a quiet call to notice, to remember, and to act. We were delighted to team up with Erik and see our vision brought to life. We sincerely hope it sparks meaningful conversations in every family that visits,” the farmer continued. 

The Last Footprint is the first exhibition by artist Erik Schmitz to be hosted in the United Kingdom. The artist said: “This is more than an exhibition; it’s a moment of reflection on how precious our natural world is and all of the resources on Earth’s. 

“Each sculpture invites you to pause and think about what we stand to lose and what footprints we want to leave behind.” 

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