Top 10 Best Farming Companies in Rutland

Farming in Rutland

Rutland's rolling countryside is a patchwork of arable fields, pasture, hedgerows and woodland. Agriculture remains one of the county's defining industries, with farms producing wheat, barley, oilseed rape, beans, beef, lamb and pork. Large traditional estates sit alongside family farms, and the county's farmers play a crucial role in caring for the landscape around Rutland Water and its internationally important wildlife habitats.

The annual Rutland County Show celebrates this heritage, bringing together livestock breeders, machinery dealers and food producers. Rutland's farming businesses are increasingly diversifying into farm shops, visitor attractions, renewable energy and environmental stewardship.

How We Compiled This List

We considered reputation, quality of produce, sustainability practices, contribution to the local community and economic significance. The list includes Rutland-based farms, nearby estates and the agricultural businesses that support farmers throughout the county.

The Top 10 Farming Companies Connected to Rutland

1. Northfield Farm

Northfield Farm near Oakham is renowned for rare and traditional breed livestock, including Dexter cattle, raised slowly on grass. Its farm shop and butchery have built a loyal following, and its meat is sought after by chefs who value flavour, welfare and traceability.

2. Exton Park Estate

The historic Exton Park Estate is one of Rutland's most significant landholdings, encompassing farmland, woodland and parkland. The estate's agricultural operations, conservation work and diversified businesses make it an important part of the county's rural economy and landscape.

3. Burghley Estate

Just across the border near Stamford, the Burghley Estate manages extensive farmland, forestry and property. Its large-scale arable farming and environmental initiatives influence agricultural practice in the wider area, and the estate is a major rural employer.

4. Rutland Farm Park

Rutland Farm Park in Oakham is a working farm and visitor attraction that introduces families to rare breed animals and rural life. It plays a valuable educational role, helping children and visitors understand where food comes from and why farming matters to Rutland.

5. Grasmere Farm

Grasmere Farm, a family-run pig farm and butcher near Stamford, is known for high-welfare pork and award-winning sausages. Its farm-to-shop model shows how local producers can capture more value by selling directly to Rutland and South Lincolnshire customers.

6. Long Clawson Dairy

Long Clawson Dairy is a farmer-owned cooperative in the nearby Vale of Belvoir, producing Blue Stilton and other cheeses. Its cooperative structure provides dairy farmers in the region with a secure market and a share in the value of a premium, protected-name product.

7. Arla Foods

Arla Foods is a farmer-owned dairy cooperative with members across the UK, including in the East Midlands. It provides dairy farmers with processing, marketing and sustainability programmes, helping them compete in a challenging market.

8. Openfield

Openfield is a farmer-owned grain marketing cooperative with strong roots in Lincolnshire and the East Midlands. Rutland's arable farmers use Openfield to market their wheat, barley and oilseed rape, benefiting from storage facilities, market expertise and collective bargaining power.

9. Frontier Agriculture

Frontier Agriculture is the UK's leading crop production and grain marketing business. It supplies seed, fertiliser and crop protection, offers agronomy advice and buys grain from farmers. Many Rutland arable farms work with Frontier to improve yields and manage input costs.

10. Agrii

Agrii is a major agronomy and agricultural services company, providing advice, seed and crop inputs backed by extensive field trials. Its agronomists help Rutland farmers adopt precision farming, regenerative practices and data-driven decision making.

Trends Shaping Rutland Agriculture

Rutland farming is in a period of change. The shift from traditional subsidies to environmental land management schemes is encouraging farmers to invest in hedgerows, wildflower margins, soil health and water quality. Around Rutland Water, protecting water quality and wildlife habitats is especially important.

Regenerative agriculture is gaining momentum, with practices such as cover cropping, minimum tillage and rotational grazing improving soil carbon. Precision technology, including GPS-guided machinery and drones, is helping farmers reduce inputs. Diversification into farm shops, tourism, glamping and renewable energy is also helping Rutland farms build resilience.

Supporting Local Farming

• Buy from farm shops and butchers that source from Rutland farms.
• Look for high-welfare and protected-name products.
• Visit agricultural events such as the Rutland County Show.
• Choose seasonal produce to reduce food miles.
• Respect countryside codes when visiting farmland and footpaths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What crops are most commonly grown in Rutland?

Winter wheat, spring and winter barley, oilseed rape and field beans dominate Rutland's arable rotations. Grassland supports beef cattle and sheep, particularly on heavier soils and land unsuitable for cropping.

Can I visit farms in Rutland?

Yes. Rutland Farm Park in Oakham welcomes visitors, and many farms run shops, open days and seasonal events. The Rutland County Show is another excellent opportunity to meet farmers and see livestock and machinery up close.

How are Rutland farmers protecting the environment?

Many are adopting regenerative practices, planting hedgerows, creating wildflower margins and reducing fertiliser use through precision technology. Protecting water quality around Rutland Water is a particular priority given its importance for wildlife and drinking water supply.

Final Thoughts

Farming is woven into Rutland's identity. From rare-breed specialists like Northfield Farm to cooperatives like Openfield and Long Clawson Dairy, the county's agricultural businesses produce exceptional food while caring for a landscape loved by residents and visitors. Supporting them helps keep Rutland's countryside thriving for generations to come.