M & D Burkinshaw Estates is a conglomeration of sole traders of the Burkinshaw family Established in 1993 as a family run business, collectively renowned as “Windmill Farm". Located in the picturesque surroundings of Northumberland.
Today, M & D Burkinshaw Estates is a leading agricultural enterprise dedicated to cultivating and delivering fresh, high-quality produce to local and national markets.
Windmill Farm stands as a beacon of sustainability, quality, and community empowerment in the agricultural landscape. Through sustainable land, crop management, herd management and waste reduction strategies, we aim to leave a positive legacy for future generations.
CROP MANAGEMENT
Maximising Yield and Sustainability
Crop management is a crucial aspect of modern agriculture and a comprehensive approach essential for achieving both optimal agricultural outcomes and maximal profit whilst upholding environmental sustainability. This endeavour demands unwavering dedication and diligent effort involving a spectrum of tactical and strategic decisions making.
At Windmill Farm, our practices encompass strategic plannings and implementation of various techniques to ensure optimal yield, sustainability, and ecological balance. We have a in depth understanding of the structure of farming industry—the nexus between markets, regulations, subsidies, yields and production, livestock populations and technology.
Windmill Farm cultivates a diverse range of crops including wheat, beans, oilseed rape (OSR), oats, and malting barley. A strategic inclusion of spring cropping within the crop rotation plan brings forth a myriad of advantages. This practice not only helps distribute the workload more evenly throughout the year but also plays a pivotal role in controlling problematic weeds by disrupting their life cycles. Moreover, spring cropping contributes to the provision of essential cover and seed food for birds during the winter months, bolstering ecological diversity. In the realm of seed selection, meticulous consideration is given to factors such as soil types, precise sowing dates, and the promotion of sustainable practices by minimising reliance on artificial inputs. This integrated approach to crop management not only ensures robust yields but also supports environmental harmony and long-term agricultural viability.
HERD MANAGEMENT
Our Approach to Herd Management
Healthy livestock are the cornerstone of a successful farm. Our specialised herd management practices ensure that our herd receive the best care possible. From nutrition planning to disease prevention, above all else, their welfare is our foremost concern regardless of cost, grass fed with access to mineral supplements and rock salt all year round.
At Windmill Farm, our herd management philosophy is not just a practice—it's a promise. A promise to care for our cattle, to nurture their growth, and to uphold the values that make us a trusted partner in responsible agriculture.
Meet Our Herds
The cattle enterprise has developed a long way at Windmill Farm since 2004. Split between two herds of cattle. A Belted Galloway herd with a pedigree red belted Galloway bull called Wilson and a larger herd consisting of mixed cattle, Simmental, Hereford, British Blue with a Hereford bull called Pirate. We also have a small selection of Jersey cattle who are a wonderful addition with the sweetest nature. All heifer calves join the herd after 2 years of age as breeding females.
Cattle Care and Comfortable Housing
Seasonal Management: Adapting to the weather, all cattle are brought indoors during late autumn and turned to the pastures after calving in the spring.
Grassland Excellence: Grassland is well maintained. Regular soil sampling and meticulous maintenance ensure optimal grazing conditions and offers lush green pastures, enriched with white clover creating the ideal environment for our cattle to thrive.
Our cattle housing is maintained with the utmost care. Cattle housing is always clean and bedded by hand with straw produced on the farm. A labour intensive task, but a preference of Sarahs. “It is amazing what can be observed and heard whilst bedding cattle, also helps to gain the trust of young or nervous cattle” sheds are well ventilated yet free from draft to protect young calves. Also naturally well lit, a pleasant environment with clean fresh water available at all times. Majority of cattle are named and if not named still recognisable.
Heritage and Legacy
With Sarah at the helm, our farm is home to a remarkable lineage of cattle. Sarah can proudly share stories spanning six generations from the same blood line in the shed and a story to follow each one, a living testament to the history and future of our herd.
Supplying Marks and Spencer
The Burkinshaws are delighted and proud to be supplying Marks and Spencer which have their own very high standards. Cattle are Red Tractor assured and part of BVD free England scheme. A herd health plan is followed precisely and is reviewed regularly.
