Meet the farmers

W H Houlbrooke & Sons

Set at the foot of the Malvern Hills on the Worcestershire and Hereford border lies Ockeridge Farm, ran by myself (Philip) and partner Richard, together forming W H Houlbrooke & Sons.

We have been growing potatoes for the past 4 years for Albert Bartlett & Sons, including Vivaldi, Marabel, Rooster and Estima. We produce Organic varieties also.

We produce potatoes and also wheat, barley, winter oil seed rape, sugar beet, beans and maize. To add to this, we also have a 150 cow beef and suckler herd. We comprise of six full time staff and up to thirty staff at peak seasons. Two reservoirs are also used for irrigation to ensure the crops have a plentiful supply of water.

We are keen to ensure good welfare and care of the environment, having planted a total of two miles of hedgerow in the past two years. We have also planted many trees and scraped dug ponds, providing a habitat for many different species of wildlife.

Away from the farm, I enjoy helping with the junior section of Ledbury Rugby Club, and Richard is part of the Local Amateur Theatre Productions. Both Richard and I take pride in sponsoring local community events and charities. Back to Farmers