A personal thanks...

Ian and Carol Critchley

Martyn & Helen would like to say a personal thanks to Ian and Carol Critchley from Lower Reule Farm, as without their unwavering support, financial backing and confidence in us, Buttercross Farm would never have got off the ground.

Lower Reule Farm currently grow, pick and pack strawberries for Tesco, and also have just diversified into the production of green electricity via a new Anerobic Digester plant on their farm which takes waste food from Newcastle Area and converts it into energy!!

Ian and Carol, with daughter Helen

Our history...

1995: Martyn & Helen move to Market Drayton. Martyn is appointed Free Range herd Manager for Lower Reule Farm Ltd, who are based near Stafford but operate pig breeding at Shiffords Grange.

1996: Expansion of the breeding herd to 800 sows producing 300 pigs per week, and using extra land at Audleys Cross Farm, between Market Drayton & Loggerheads.

1997: Further expansion with a traditional pig unit near Penkridge, producing breeding females for life on the free-range unit in Market Drayton.

1998: Global crash in pig meat values meant the 300 pig sales per week were losing £15,000 per week which was unsustainable.

1999: Martyn & Helen discuss the possibilities of starting a new business with Ian Critchley of Lower Reule Farm on site which kept a few pigs but marketed them directly to consumers or caterers.

2000: 8th July, Buttercross Farm was born. With Lower Reule Farm's financial backing and Martyn & Helen “fronting” the business. Buttercross was supplying Sausage, Bacon, and gammon to trade customers, mainly farm shop retailers and some restaurants.

2001: Foot and Mouth meant the Penkridge unit was “killed out” as sheep grazing on the fields surrounding had a contiguous contact with sheep which had been moved from Cumbrian markets where the outbreak had stemmed from.

2003: February, Martyn and Ian Critchley form a company along with others, called 'Field to Kitchen' which operated a new food hall within the new Dobbies garden centre in Atherstone, Warwickshire. This became Buttercross’ largest customer.

2003: June, Lower Reule decide that the large Free Range breeding unit at Market Drayton has to cease, the losses were less that previously but could not continue. October, Martyn & Ian pull out from 'Field to Kitchen' to concentrate on building Buttercross Farm.

2004: With no pig herd or retail shop to distract them, Martyn & Helen push the sales of Buttercross, effectively doubling the business turnover in 9 months.

2005: Buttercross went limited and shares allocated to Martyn & Helen which fulfilled their dream of owning their own business. Throughout 2005 the premises were expanded to allow a better throughput and handle larger sales. In place are 3 large fridges, raw butchery room, designated cooked meat room, dry goods and packaging store, loading/unloading bay, staff room, office and washrooms.

2006: June, Buttercross Farm Shop was opened, almost 6 years after the business was started.

2006: Establishment of a new free range finishing herd at Shiffords Grange, to solely supply the Buttercross wholesale and retail operation.

2010: July, Buttercross Farm celebrates 10 years in business!!