Changes in Government support schemes has caused many farmers and farming businesses to rethink their agricultural activity. Some have had to create a diversified income stream that sits alongside the main farming enterprises. In this case, the Mercer’s family focus as moved from the traditional farming business it was originally, to one seeing the launch of Packington Free Range and the three charities it runs today.
Packington Free Range started in 2005, run by the Mercer family in Barton-under-Needwood, who started farming in Harlaston back in 1922 as a dairy cattle farm and pedigree Large White Pigs. They have continuously diversified to become the fourth-generation enterprise it is today. As a leader when it comes to producing first-class, free-range meat and ethical farming they are now preparing for their busiest time of year. Their free-range pork and chicken are well renowned and as we approach the festive season their ever-popular cockerels can be found in select butchers and farm shops nationwide, as well as via Ocado and Harrods and their own online shop.
Their mission is also to encourage and educate families and children about healthy eating and their passion saw them launch their charity ‘Farm Fresh Revolution’. They now have successful partnerships with eight primary schools and two community, all within the county of Staffordshire, and through these outlets they have given away over 40,000 food bags – that’s 500,000 meals.
Their ‘FarmLink’ Education Project enables children to visit the farm to take part in outdoor activities. From pond dipping to scavenger walks and feeding animals as well as taking part in a variety of learning activities in their woodland classroom. During winter months, they have a dedicated educator who visits schools to lead in-class sessions, helping children to get a real sense of the whole farm to fork experience.
Added to these there is the Mercer Family Charitable Foundation, which supports local and national issues, focusing on education, healthcare, and community. The charity has supported Rainbows Hospice, MS Society, Riding for the Disabled to name just a few.
Now in its 100th year of farming, the family-run business continues to specialise in free-range pork and poultry but also focus on their passion for sustainability. In the past decade they have planted more than 100,000 new trees, including a fruit orchard to encourage birds and wildlife and increase biodiversity. They have added field margins, buffers and planted wildflower meadows to help wildlife safely transverse fields and the woods. And over the last 10 years they have added over 2.5mw of solar panels – enough to power over 660 homes and decrease their carbon footprint significantly, if not completely.
Percy Mercer started the family farm in 1922 at Manor Farm in Harlaston, Staffordshire. His focus was on dairy cattle and pedigree Large White pigs. It was second generation Alec Mercer who then decided to expand into arable farming and pigs at Wychnor Bridges in 1952. Third generation, Roger Mercer acquired Blakenhall Park in 1976, which today is home to their head office and delivery hub as well as their on-site outdoor education project. Alec & Rob Mercer, the 4th generation, established Packington Free Range in 2005 and have become industry leaders in the free-range pork and poultry industry, winning many awards including the highly coveted 3-star Great Taste Award.
Alec Mercer said: ”We have always believed in farming in a way that increases regeneration and biodiversity. All having a positive impact on the land and on the animals. Ultimately, we have a simple philosophy; what’s good for the land and animals, will naturally be good for us. We strongly believe it’s this philosophy, and keeping our animals’ welfare as our top priority, that enables us to produce a great tasting product that’s often lost in today’s intensive farming methods.
“As well as our sustainability efforts, we support many local and national charities, for example the Scouts at our Patshull Estate, whereby we granted their lease to stay on a site they’ve been at since 1946. They were also given a donation which enabled them to upgrade their current accommodation, renovate the existing activity lake and build a brand-new zip line, Jacobs ladder and crate stacking - this now not only benefits the Scouts, but other youth-based groups such as; Boys Brigade, Cadets, Guides, Church Groups etc which we are extremely proud of.”
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