A Helping Hand when the Time was Right

Nearly 8 years ago I was fortunate to receive funding from the Henry Plumb Foundation. After finishing as Chairman for the National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs, I wanted a project to get stuck into. My husband and I were shortly moving up to his family farm and it was an ideal time to start putting down the foundations for our future in farming.

I’ve a real passion for communicating to the wider world about the benefits of buying British and supporting local producers. I also wanted a bit of that pie. I wanted my own livestock, getting my hands dirty and promoting the whole supply chain from farm to plate.

So, when I put an application together looking at adding value to rare breed pig meat, I was hugely fortunate to be accepted. Asking for some financial support to attend a butchery course was top of the list, some processing equipment as well as mentorship from a respected member of the farming community. 

I was spoilt when I was matched with John Geldard, renowned livestock farmer, farm shop owner and businessman. And we still keep in touch today. In fact, we check in with each other regularly and I always feel like John is looking out for me. That type of support is what you call ‘money can’t buy’ which is hugely invaluable.

John helped to introduce me to some fascinating people, opened some doors and gave me the guidance that I needed. I also visited his Cumbrian-based businesses and was hugely impressed with how hands-on John was throughout all of his enterprises, alongside his sons.

And nearly a decade on, I’m still keeping pigs. I wanted to keep a traditional breed so opted for Gloucester Old Spots, which are well known to the general public for their eating quality, yet not that easy to get hold of. I spotted a gap in the market and went for it.

I’ve been successfully selling pork meat boxes, pigs for the freezer and sausages from the farm gate for 6 years now. In fact, I could sell a lot more but lack the freezer / cold storage space. I’m also time poor at the moment after having two little boys. That said, having pigs and selling from the farm gate has provided me with stability as well as a full freezer, whilst I raise the children.

Not one to sit still, I’ve been investing in myself when the time permits. Having time out from your career to raise a family gives you the time to reflect and realise what you want in life. Having children also changes that perspective completely!!

I enjoy growing vegetables in the garden and also love cooking from scratch. I’ve been documenting the progress of all the crops I’ve been growing on my social media channels and how you can prepare a no fuss meal that the whole family can enjoy. Many of my friends have become inspired to cook as a result, especially in light of the lockdown situation where it isn’t possible to eat out or rely on a takeaway service.

In September 2020, No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents was born on Facebook, followed by Instagram and a website (www.facebook.com/nofussmealsforbusyparents or www.nofussmealsforbusyparents.food.blog) which has provided me with a platform to share recipe ideas, promote seasonal ingredients and showcase producers from around the country.

The following on the platform is increasing daily and the community is really engaged, sharing pictures of recipes they have followed and sending positives messages of support. I am thrilled with the initial start up and have enjoyed some media attention as a result. Take a look for yourself…

Thanks to the Butchers and Drovers charitable trust, I have been able to secure some funding to help upskills with some video marketing training and equipment to help take the project to the next level. I’ve been hugely fortunate to be supported by Ian Damms of Breeze and Freeze who has been teaching me the tricks of the trade when it comes to capturing good content, how to edit film and advising on the best kit to utilise for maximum results online. 

I’m getting set for the future in being able to shine a light on farmers / food producers from around the country and be able to endorse the field to fork message, promoting to the wider world. I would even go as far as saying that I’ve started to become established as a recognised influencer which is fun! 

And when I’m not being Mum, supporting my husband on the farm or creating content for No Fuss Meals, I’ve started to build up a freelance marketing agency to support other small / independent businesses with their social media, PR, media relations and overall marketing. I’ve got some interesting clients including a farm shop and an independent team of farm consultants. 

The icing on the cake for me has been taking on the role as secretary to the English Panel of the Council for Awards of the Royal Agricultural Societies. I’ve always been saddened that we no longer have a Royal Show to get behind. Being situated in Northamptonshire, we don’t have our own county show, although Andrew and I support the local shows Blakesley Show and Blaston Show near Market Harborough. I’m also secretly envious of the other Royal Shows across the British Isles as they provide such a wonderful platform to showcase our industry to the wider world. 

However, having this role helps to facilitate an awards scheme, the equivalent to an MBE, to recognise individuals within Agriculture who have made an outstanding commitment or achievement that far exceeds their day job. Supported by each Royal Society, a strict and robust process is followed whereby Fellows nominate potential individuals who they deem worthy of such recognition. Sponsors are sought and an interview takes place. If awarded, the individual will become an associate, be invited to various events, farm visits and networking opportunities as well as connecting with other outstanding people from across the country. 

It is an honour to be involved and I’m so grateful to the outgoing secretary Malcolm Stansfield MBE FRAgS, who has overseen the role for approx. 16 years, and has shown me the ropes as I took over. 

I’m a firm believer in asking a busy person to get the job done. I’m certainly one of those people who enjoys being busy. I thrive on the opportunity to help make a difference, especially when it come to promoting our tremendous farming industry to a widespread audience. If you’d like to follow my journey, you can find me on Instagram or Twitter @MillyFyfe or visit www.millyfyfe.com  

The Foundation has now helped over 100 people on their way with careers in agriculture.

Brief stories of young people who’ve benefitted from our helping hand.