Top 10 Best Farming Companies in West Devon

Farming at the Heart of West Devon

Agriculture is the backbone of West Devon. The district's mix of upland moorland, rolling pasture and sheltered river valleys supports beef, sheep and dairy production, along with mixed arable farming in the lower-lying parishes. Dartmoor's hill farms have grazed cattle, sheep and ponies on common land for generations, while the Tamar Valley was once famous for market gardening, flowers and soft fruit. Today local farmers face challenges including changing subsidy schemes, rising input costs, climate pressures and the need to balance food production with nature recovery.

The companies and organisations that support these farms play a vital role. From cooperatives and processors to land-based estates and community projects, they connect producers with markets, inputs and expertise. Below are ten of the most important farming companies and organisations operating in or serving West Devon.

Top 10 Farming Companies and Organisations in West Devon

1. Mole Valley Farmers

Mole Valley Farmers is a farmer-owned cooperative and one of the most important agricultural suppliers in the South West. It provides animal feed, fertiliser, seed, fencing, machinery parts, clothing and expert advice. Its cooperative structure means profits are reinvested for the benefit of member farmers, many of whom are based across West Devon.

2. Dartmoor Farmers Association

The Dartmoor Farmers Association brings together hill farmers to market high-quality beef and lamb raised on the moor. By promoting the provenance and welfare standards of Dartmoor livestock, the association helps farmers achieve better returns while highlighting the environmental benefits of traditional upland grazing.

3. The Duchy of Cornwall

The Duchy of Cornwall owns a substantial area of Dartmoor and lets many farms to tenant farmers. Its estate management influences land use, conservation work and rural business development across the moor, and it has supported initiatives linking farming with environmental stewardship.

4. Arla Foods

Arla is a farmer-owned dairy cooperative with members across the UK, including dairy farms in Devon. It processes milk into well-known brands of butter, cheese and milk. For dairy producers, Arla offers a stable route to market and a sustainability programme that rewards environmental improvements.

5. Muller UK and Ireland

Muller is one of the largest milk buyers in the country and collects from many farms throughout the South West. Its direct supply contracts and farm standards programmes give dairy farmers in West Devon an important market outlet.

6. Riverford Organic Farmers

Riverford, based in South Devon, is one of the UK's best-known organic farming and vegetable box businesses. Now employee-owned, it works with organic growers across the region and has done much to raise the profile of Devon as a source of high-quality, sustainably grown produce.

7. Philip Warren Butchers

Located just across the Tamar near Launceston, Philip Warren Butchers sources beef, lamb and pork from farms in Cornwall and West Devon. It is respected for its close relationships with farmers, traditional dry-ageing methods and commitment to grass-fed, high-welfare meat.

8. Dunbia

Dunbia is a major meat processor with operations in the South West. It provides a key market for finished cattle and lambs from West Devon farms, supplying major retailers with British meat and supporting farm assurance standards.

9. Kivells

Kivells is a long-established firm of auctioneers, estate agents and rural chartered surveyors in Devon and Cornwall, operating livestock markets that serve West Devon farmers. Its markets are an important part of the farming calendar, providing price transparency and a social hub for rural communities.

10. Westcountry Rivers Trust Farm Advice

The Westcountry Rivers Trust works with farmers to improve soil health, water quality and nutrient management. Its free advice and grant support help West Devon farms reduce pollution risk, cut input costs and improve the health of rivers such as the Tamar, Tavy and Torridge.

Trends Shaping West Devon Agriculture

The move from the old Basic Payment Scheme towards Environmental Land Management schemes is changing farm business models. Farmers are increasingly paid for public goods such as hedgerow management, carbon storage, peatland restoration and wildlife habitats. On Dartmoor, discussions about grazing levels and nature recovery are particularly prominent. At the same time, there is growing consumer interest in local, traceable food, and many farms are diversifying into direct sales, farm shops, holiday accommodation and renewable energy.

Benefits of Working with Strong Farming Partners

For farmers, choosing the right cooperatives, buyers and advisers can make a substantial difference to profitability and resilience. Cooperatives offer shared purchasing power, processors provide secure contracts, and advisory organisations help farms access funding and improve efficiency. Consumers benefit too, as strong local supply chains keep fresh, high-quality food on shelves and in restaurants.

Conclusion

West Devon's farming sector is resilient, innovative and deeply rooted in place. The companies and organisations listed above support farmers in producing outstanding food while caring for one of England's most treasured landscapes, ensuring agriculture remains central to the district for generations to come.