Euston Estate announces shakeup of farming operation

Euston Farms has agreed a new 10-year deal with RG Abrey Farms - its root vegetable farming partner for the past 15 years.

This will expand Abrey's operations to include cereal farming on the 10,500-acre Euston Estate.

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RG Abrey Farms is taking over responsibility for cereal production at the Euston Estate (Image: Euston Estate)

The two businesses "share the same values, ethos and long-term aspirations for sustainable and successful farming", the estate said.

Farm machinery owned by the estate is being sold through Cheffins.

The arrangement will be formally completed ahead of the new farming year and will mean "minimal change" for the Euston Farms team which will continue to be based on the estate.

"We believe this is a positive model for the future and a natural evolution of an already strong working relationship," the estate said.

"This is a mutually beneficial arrangement for both Euston Farms and RG Abrey Farms, and we are excited about the opportunities it creates for the future."

Other staff including the farm manager will remain with Euston Estate with a focus on wider estate priorities.

These include expanding the estate's Red Poll cattle herd, environmental stewardship, conservation enhancement, hedge and woodland management, educational visits and other opportunities.

Estate owner the Duke of Grafton said: “Building on a successful collaboration spanning 15 years, Euston Farms and RG Abrey Farms have agreed a new 10-year arrangement that expands our collaboration beyond root vegetables to include cereal farming.

The Duke of Grafton pictured recently with his mother, Clare, Countess of Euston, at St Edmundsbury Cathedral (Image: Lucy Taylor)

"This agreement reflects the strength of our long-standing working relationship and our shared commitment to the long-term success and sustainability of farming at Euston.”

A spokesman for RG Abrey Farms said: “We are delighted to extend our long-standing collaboration with Euston Estate, building on a successful relationship spanning 15 years.

"The new 10-year arrangement expands our work together beyond root vegetables to include cereal farming.

"We share Euston’s commitment to sustainable and productive farming and look forward to bringing our experience and expertise to the wider farming operation at the estate.”

Euston said the new agreement with Abreys was part of planned changes to its farming operation.

The estate was hit by tragedy last month after the unexpected death of estate director Robert Childerhouse.

As well as root vegetable and cereal production, the farming operation at Euston includes managing woodland, hedgerows and parkland as well as its Red Poll cattle herd.

RG Abrey Farms - based at East Wretham, near Thetford - is a third-generation agricultural business specialising in productive and sustainable farming operations.