LIVESTOCK: Staffordshire based T Swift and Son have been able to expand their beef unit from a clean slate with a new build for 300 animals. We find out what choices have been made.
A move away from a village farm that was increasingly enclosed by development gave T Swift and Son the opportunity to design a bespoke
beef unit nearby which has also allowed expansion of the existing herd and a refocus away from dairy.
‘We had this greenfield site in mind and the developer which purchased our farm in the village helped with the planning application,” explains John Swift who farms with father Charles and partner Hayley.
Bridge Farm, near Wheaton Aston in Staffordshire is also home to a new poultry unit for 32,000 free range laying birds, John’s farmhouse and workshop as well as the purpose-designed beef unit with a 300 head capacity, completed in spring 2023.
“The new building meets all the FABBL requirements for animal welfare and hygiene but after studying similar sized beef units on other farms and researching the subject, I worked with LM Bateman & Co to come up with my own design,” he explains. “I particularly wanted to focus on feeding and ventilation, and the result reflects how cattle buildings were many years ago, but with features that seem to have been lost in recent years.”
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