AMC funding helps Kent business diversify
The last 40 years have seen the Burden Brothers business expand from a small arable farm to 4,300 owned and contracted acres on which is run one of the most diverse agricultural businesses in the south of England. This includes beef production and retailing, arable farming and contracting, a John Deere dealership and a village pub!
Burden Brothers consists of parents, Peter and Mavis, together with sons Dale, Guy, John and Alex, all of whom are heavily involved in the business. The business’ first farm on Kent’s Isle of Sheppey was purchased in 1968. In the early 1990s an opportunity arose to contract farm four neighbouring farms, three of which were subsequently bought by Burden Brothers in 1995. Selling one farm to a friend, the business kept the other two and now contract farms all three. Burden Brothers now farms 1,800 owned acres and contract farms a further 2,500 acres across north Kent, with 1,400 head of cattle, including a 400-cow suckler herd, predominantly South Devon cows crossed with Limousin bulls.
Beef production began in 2002, at a time when many farmers were getting out of the sector. “We started introducing livestock to the business to make the most of the land that we had previously turned to grass,” explained Dale. “I hadn’t been keen on the move to arable reversion, but with Government encouragement at the time, it was a viable option and we now have a thriving beef business.”
Change in bank supports additional growth
Cattle are bred, fed and finished on the farm. The beef is sold by Hobbs Parker at Ashford Market. It was Hobbs Parker who introduced AMC to the family two years ago, and they have never looked back. “AMC’s enthusiasm and deep understanding of the agricultural sector has always impressed us,” said Dale. “We maintain close contact with our Regional Agricultural Manager, Tim Thatcher, and his continued sound advice and interest has allowed us to exploit business opportunities as and when they arise.”
Success in crop trials
AMC has helped the farm expand on all sides of the business. Recent loans have funded new grain storage, a mobile dryer and harvesting equipment. Oilseed rape and wheat dominate the arable acreage but the farm has recently started growing grain maize with considerable success. “Grain maize is a relatively new crop, which we started with 400 acres. Our end product has been such high standard, equal to European quality, that our farm manager has managed to sell into specialist markets, including a bird seed distributor. As a result, we are planning to grow more than 1,000 acres of grain maize this year.”
Growth in machinery and contracting
The second-hand machinery business, successful on a nationwide basis as well as one of the country’s leading exporters of agricultural machinery, was built up and established by father Peter, whose excellent reputation has provided the businesses with a head start. The contracting business is also thriving. The wide range of machinery, including over 25 tractors and a range of combines, balers, and equipment for forage harvesting, is constantly in use. Demand for the Burdens’ services takes them to Essex, for the season that falls slightly earlier, then back to Kent and finally to East Sussex for the marginally later season. In April 2007, Burden Brothers became appointed as the John Deere dealership in the South East. It was a natural progression from the contracting business which they started from scratch, converting premises at Stockbury including a workshop, offices and showroom. Timing was perfect with the recent profit improvements on cereal farms getting the business off to a flying start.
Success in hospitality
A pub, run by younger brother Alex and mum Mavis, is yet another arm to this extensive family enterprise. A listed building, it required a lot of work when the property was first purchased. However, using their own resources, it was completely updated and refurbished, and now features a restaurant, accommodation and is licensed for civil weddings. Meat from the farm, and game from the organised shoots, for which they employ a full-time keeper, is always on the menu. With the farms at the heart of the business and the family, Burden Brothers has managed to adapt to the current demands through diversification. The family’s understanding of farming has enabled them to establish and develop further related businesses to great success.