TC & N Taylor Organic Farms

About Us

The overall aim of T.C. & N Taylor Ltd is to make organic produce more accessible to more people over a longer period of time throughout the year, by bringing down the costs of production and extending the seasons. We try to remain innovative whilst at all times staying true to the principles of organic production.

Carrots

For 2011 we will be planting 200 acres of carrots to produce approximately 3500 tonnes of packed crop. Our carrots are destined for the major supermarkets and also local farm shops and box schemes. In 2009 the quality of our carrots won us the RB Organic Grower of the Year Award for the second time. We are constantly trialling techniques to extend our growing season. Last year we used an old technique of Autumn drilling the carrots into ridges to grow them through Winter (under double fleece) for harvesting in late May and this was a success. We are now trying new techniques to give us production in June to fulfil our mission of the full 12 month carrot supply.

Potatoes

This year we will be growing 200 acres of potatoes with the aim of achieving approximately 3000 tonnes of packed crop. We secure most of our produce into contracts through a small number of renowned organic pack houses from where produce gets forwarded to the major supermarkets. In order to achieve our aim of year round supply we have been working on promoting the loose-skin market for early potatoes, and using fleece to raise soil temperature and get the first produce ready for harvesting by the middle of June. With chilled storage of the correct varieties we can then keep supplying until the end of March. In 2008 our quality of potatoes secured us the title of Organic Grower of the Year from Sainsburys/Greenvale AP.

Onions

The onions are our smallest category being produced on the farm and have been a real test of patience but also a valuable learning experience over the previous 5 years. We hope to achieve through the onion production a widening of our rotation taking some of the pressure to perform away from the carrots and potatoes but also it is a way of showing commitment to the customer in us expanding our product range. In 2010 we planted 10 acres of onions, half of which were the new and innovative downy-mildew resistant type. This was a huge success with the entire crop reaching saleable standard. As a result, we are doubling up our onion acreage for 2011.

Parsnips

The parsnip crop has grown from the success of the carrots and works very well for us as it is utilising the same machinery and methods. The expansion of our workload along these lines has allowed for further investment in machinery. As a result our harvesting techniques have improved dramatically over the last few years. We are now using the very latest of machines which are only normally seen on large conventional farms. Due to the value of the crop and the high expectations of our customers we have been able to employ these on the farm. This year we will be expanding our parsnip acreage significantly from 10 to 30 acres. This has come about due to our continued quality and service. We still have the distinction of being the only English grower of strawed organic parsnips supplying the major retailers.

Combinable crops and Green Manures

As part of the organic rotational system we are still growing a large acreage of other crops. Some are for resale such as the Wheat and Barley, others serve as a green manure in order to feed the soils where the root crops have previously been planted, such as vetches and mustard. In total we will be growing nearly 600 acres of combinable crops plus 150 acres of land that will be left for grazing or green manures.

Pigs

In 2006 a neighbouring estate approached us with interest in working together and trying to build on the strengths and successes we have had in the marketplace. As a result we have set up a joint venture company trading as Sansaw Pigs Ltd with them. Through this outlet we are running a 170 head organic sow herd, producing 3000 finished organic pigs a year. specialising in suckling pigs and top-end bacon pigs. Last year our operations extended into organic vegetables allowing us to expand our overall acreage under production.