slow grown, grass reared, traditional breed beef...

The Croft is one of the members of Hadrian Organics, a cooperative formed to sell quality organic produce direct to the public. The produce is all farmed, reared, grown and produced in north Cumbria. The producers specialise in rare or traditional breeds local to the area. This not only ensures the breeds' survival but also results in meat with maximum flavour. All the organic stock is free range and the producers breed their own replacement animals with no need to buy in stock from outside the area. The animal husbandry on the farms is of the highest standard and many are covered by the Countryside Stewardship Scheme or higher level Stewardship agreements for wildlife, habitat and landscape conservation.

The Croft is situated in the village of Houghton (north of Carlisle) with an additional 28 hectares beside the river Eden near Armathwaite. Several pedigree Longhorn cattle are raised at The Croft, they live out all year and in the winter are fed on hay made at The Croft. Susan Aglionby, who runs the Croft, can often be seen at the Farmers markets, selling her beef, and produce from the other producers in the cooperative. The main markets that you can find Hadrian Organics attending are in the north of the county, notably Borderway Farmers' Mart, on the second Saturday of the month at 9am-1pm; Greenhead on the second Sunday of the month at 10am-2pm and Brampton Moot Hall on the last Saturday of the month at 9am-1.30pm. 

So if you want to know what is so good about slow grown, grass fed, traditional breed beef that has been properly hung and is nicely marbled, then look no further. Get hold of some of Susan's perfect Longhorn beef, it is worth every penny.

Content and photography supplied by www.Artisan-Food.com, funded by Distinctly Cumbrian.