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Essex farm hosts goose walk
Goose producers from all over the UK will be converging on an Essex farm next week to see how the Blackwell family have expanded their output by 50 per cent in the past six years to supply growing Christmas demand.
Howard and Jane Blackwell will be hosting members of British Goose Producers at Herons Farm, Coggeshall, near Colchester, on Friday October 21 where they are rearing almost 1900 geese this autumn.
They are finding increasing demand from all sections of the market — farmgate, butchers, food halls, pubs and restaurants — and are benefiting from the Rare Breed Meat Company which they set up in 2004 to supply this trade mainly inside the M25.
More than 200 geese are sold through their farm shop, chosen as a finalist in the Best Farm Shop competition run by Essex Life magazine.
The farm is on the celebrated Marks Hall estate where the Blackwell family have been rearing poultry in the traditional style for four generations. Today they produce geese, turkeys and Gloucester Old Spot pigs.
The Rare Breed Meat Company sells free range, traditional and niche products, with a team of butchers supplying carcase and portioned meat, home made pies, pastries and ready meals.
“We’re committed to local suppliers and over 90 per cent of the produce we market is sourced within 20 miles of Herons Farm,” says Mr Blackwell.
● You are invited to attend the farm walk which begins at 10.30 with good opportunities for photography and interviews. You will find Herons Farm at Colne Road, Coggeshall, Colchester CO6 1TQ.
Please let us know if you will be attending by e-mailing roger@bhrcommunications.co.uk or phone
0845 402 6527.