Top 10 Best Farming Companies in Brentwood

Brentwood's Agricultural Heritage

Although Brentwood is often associated with commuters and shopping, more than three quarters of the borough is protected green belt. Rolling arable fields, hedgerows, ancient woodland and small villages such as Navestock, Doddinghurst, Blackmore and Herongate give the area a distinctly rural character. Farming here ranges from family-run livestock holdings and pick-your-own fruit farms to large arable enterprises growing wheat, barley and oilseed rape across the Essex clay.

Essex as a whole is one of England's most productive farming counties, and businesses in and around Brentwood play a role in food production, environmental stewardship and rural tourism. The following ten farming companies stand out for their contribution to the local economy and community.

How We Chose These Farms

We considered agricultural output, community engagement, diversification, environmental practices and reputation. The list includes businesses located within the borough as well as major Essex operations that influence farming in the area.

1. Old MacDonald's Farm

Located in South Weald, Old MacDonald's Farm is a much-loved family attraction showcasing rare breed animals, farm life and countryside education. It plays an important role in connecting local children with agriculture and animal welfare, and it remains one of the borough's best-known rural businesses.

2. Barleylands

Near Billericay, Barleylands combines a working farm with a craft village, events venue and farm park. Its annual agricultural show and educational activities celebrate Essex farming heritage, and it is a popular destination for Brentwood families seeking a day out in the countryside.

3. Lord Rayleigh's Farms

Lord Rayleigh's Farms is one of Essex's most historic agricultural enterprises, with a long tradition of dairy farming. Its focus on herd welfare and quality milk production has earned it a strong reputation within the county's farming community.

4. Strutt & Parker Farms

Strutt & Parker Farms manages substantial arable land in Essex, combining modern agronomy with conservation initiatives. Its operations demonstrate how large-scale farming can balance productivity with hedgerow management, wildlife habitats and soil health.

5. Wilkin & Sons

Based in Tiptree, Wilkin & Sons is famous for its jams and preserves made from fruit grown on its own Essex farms. The company is an excellent example of farm-to-table production, with a heritage stretching back well over a century.

6. Lathcoats Farm

Near Chelmsford, Lathcoats Farm is known for its farm shop, apple orchards and pick-your-own fruit. Shoppers from Brentwood visit for seasonal produce, local meat and homemade goods, supporting a shorter, more sustainable food supply chain.

7. Cammas Hall Farm

Cammas Hall Farm offers pick-your-own strawberries, raspberries and pumpkins alongside a farm cafe. Its seasonal events attract families from across Essex, and the farm is a fine example of agricultural diversification into agritourism.

8. Velcourt

Velcourt is one of the UK's leading farm management companies, overseeing arable and mixed farming operations for landowners. Its expertise in precision agriculture, crop planning and environmental schemes helps Essex estates remain productive and profitable.

9. Arla Foods

Arla is a farmer-owned dairy cooperative, and many Essex dairy farmers supply milk through its network. The cooperative model gives farmers a stake in processing and marketing, while Arla's sustainability programmes encourage lower-emission dairy farming.

10. Openfield

Openfield is a farmer-owned grain marketing cooperative supporting arable growers across England, including Essex. It helps farmers sell wheat, barley and oilseeds, providing market intelligence, storage and logistics that strengthen the rural economy.

Trends Shaping Farming Around Brentwood

Environmental land management schemes are rewarding farmers for creating wildlife habitats, planting hedgerows and improving soil health. Precision farming technology, including GPS-guided machinery and drone crop monitoring, is becoming standard. Diversification into farm shops, events and tourism is also helping farms near Brentwood capitalise on their proximity to London and its large customer base.

Supporting Local Farms as a Resident

Brentwood residents can play an active role in sustaining local agriculture. Buying from farm shops, markets and pick-your-own farms keeps more money within the rural economy and reduces food miles. Seasonal eating, such as enjoying Essex strawberries in summer and apples and squash in autumn, aligns household shopping with local harvests. Visiting farm attractions supports diversification income that helps farms remain viable through difficult growing seasons.

Respecting the countryside is equally important. Following the Countryside Code, keeping dogs on leads near livestock and sticking to public footpaths helps protect crops, animals and wildlife habitats. With the borough's green belt under constant development pressure, community support for working farms helps preserve the landscape that makes Brentwood such an attractive place to live.

Frequently Asked Questions

What crops are most commonly grown around Brentwood? Winter wheat, barley, oilseed rape and field beans dominate the arable land around the borough, while smaller holdings produce fruit, vegetables and livestock for farm shops and local markets.

Can visitors tour working farms near Brentwood? Yes. Farm parks, pick-your-own farms and open farm events give families the chance to see agriculture up close, particularly during spring lambing and summer harvest seasons.

Conclusion

Farming remains a vital part of Brentwood's identity and economy. From educational farm parks to large arable estates and farmer cooperatives, these businesses produce food, protect the landscape and connect communities with the countryside. Supporting local farms by buying seasonal produce and visiting farm attractions helps sustain this important heritage for future generations.