ABOUT US
We are a 1st generation farming family. New Macdonalds Farm was established in 2010 by us, husband and wife team The Macdonald’s. Since that time, our family has expanded somewhat with children, two Maremma Abruzze guardian livestock dogs, and many cats both pet and ferel.
Our story goes a little like this… Matt unintentionally fell into farming after volunteering at a friends dairy farm, where he ended up working for almost two years! He loved working with animals and producing food, and from that point on he had his calling. Just after becoming newly married, and having twins, we were offered a two acre field for rent.. and jumped at the opportunity.
Initially rearing pedigree rare breed beef, lamb and pork, and then more recently in 2016 expanding their business to solely poultry, they now produce organic eggs.
A Regenerative farming approach…
Our ethos through a Regenerative farming approach is to work harmoniously with nature, nurturing and feeding the soil, which in turn produces the best quality, nutrient dense foods. We farm to the highest welfare standards, going that extra mile for our livestock, and do so daily all whilst working to better our environment. During the 9 years of being resident at the farm, we have planted 207 trees to increase biodiversity, help with water sequestration, and produce essential food for wild birds, insects, and mammals, as well as the bees resident here.
Our certifications:
Certified High Animal Welfare through ‘A Greener World’
Certified Non-GMO through ‘A Greener World’
We have always farmed using traditional, good old fashioned organic and regenerative practices. This year however we decided to officially certify for both Organic and Regenerative status and are pleased to announce that we have completed both audits in 2023. We are now in official Organic Conversion through ‘The Soil Association’ and ‘Certified Regenerative’ through ‘A Greener World’.
To be accredited with these certifications is no easy feat. Our farm must undergo annual inspections for all individual certifications, which is lengthy and rigorous. We are extremely proud to have been accredited with these certifications proving our authenticity and higher ethical practices.
POULTRY
All flocks are fed the best possible certified organic diet, which is soya free, and packed full of all the extras including herbs and probiotics. The pasture at New Macdonalds Farm are organic and bespoke herbal seed mixes from local seed companies. The rich herbal pasture that the birds roam in daily has a profound effect on the quality, nutrients and flavour of these wonderful eggs and consequently are used by some of the top chefs and Michelin star establishments in the country.
AGROFORESTRY
Through funding by The Woodlands Trust the farm is currently undertaking a large agroforestry project planting approximately 1,000 fruit and nut trees.
The trees will benefit the poultry as well as wildlife, and the aim is to increase biodiversity, carbon capture and soil health overall.