Ian Steele Rewarded For Educational Visits to Treflach Farm

The hillside property of Treflach Farm near Oswestry, has been in the Steele family for more than 100 years and has been run as a commercial enterprise by Betty and Bob Steele OO (1947-1953) for almost 40 years.

In August 2006 their son, Ian, also an Old Oswestrian, returned from working in London to start a new business on the farm with the aim of proving that small scale agriculture can indeed be environmentally aware, promoting biodiversity and remaining viable in today’s difficult and competitive food production market place.

Since then, Ian has developed the farm and is committed to building a resilient and sustainable community that regenerates the natural environment and nourishes local people.  The farm has evolved into a Community Interest Company.  "Community Centred Farming for the Future" aims to provide farm based education and training to all groups within society on a farm that is rooted in the community it serves whilst minimising its impact on the environment.
Treflach Farm's current partner organisations include Trefonen Primary School (Woodland experiences), Morda Primary School (Forest Schools), Marches School (Year 10 and Year 11 work experience also employed through holidays), Marches School (Year 9-11 after school cooking club), Derwen College (horticultural projects as part of work based training), Stepping Stones/New Reflexions (working in partnership with a private care provider), Local Mental Health Authority (providing day services for adults with mental health issues), local community groups/families (30+ open farm days) and Sector 39, hosting twice yearly, two-week long, residential Permaculture Design courses.

At the Bayer/FACE Awards 2011, on behalf of Treflach Farm, Ian was presented with the Access Category Award for his efforts in encouraging pupils with special needs, disaffected students and disadvantaged students to visit the farm.

Here is a video of Ian to tell us what he is trying to do . .
Treflach Farm rears, grows, cooks and delivers a range of award winning produce to private customers, independent shops and delis. The proceeds from these sales are re-invested into the Community Interest Company providing horticultural, environmental and farm animal projects to a wide range of people, locally, regionally and nationally.

Whilst at Christmas Treflach Farm had it's usual free-range bacon (streaky and back), sausages, turkeys and geese available they also had their new range of meals, pies, pasties and sausage rolls, all made right on the farm.  Treflach Farm's produce is available around the country, from the Derwen College Farm Shop in Gobowen to The Deli Station in Redbridge. The Free Range Streaky Treflach Bacon was awarded at the Great Taste Awards 2011.

And, they are famous!  In 2010, innocent drinks lent a hand to raise some money from a raffle to help get the classroom rebuilding underway.  

You can follow Treflach Farm on facebook here or visit its website www.treflachfarm.co.uk.