TIM Clarke has come a long way in farming since going into the industry as a teenager 15 years ago.
At 18, and with no background in farming, he set the target to one day farm in his own right.
All these years later and, now in his early 30s, he is producing eggs from a flock of 9,000 organic hens at a tenanted holding near Llandrindod Wells – but that’s not all.
Earlier this year, he launched his own brand, Farmer Clarke’s Eggs, with the organic produce in shops across the region.
Not content with that, May will see him launch Farmer Clarke’s free-range eggs, with the aim of going nationwide.
He said: “The unique part of our business is if a customer calls up and places an order then the eggs will have been laid that morning, packaged and dispatched, and in store in 18 hours from the time of order, 24 hours maximum!
“We have a very ahead of the game approach and in less than two months we are in four counties over 25 shops – not bad for a first-time farmer!
“We are proud of what we do every day, we get up and see our lovely hens who lay the best eggs for us to deliver to our loyal and lovely shops far and wide.
“My greatest achievement would be having the determination to do it and push on with a crystal clear business plan with a ball of energy approach.
“Walking into a shop and seeing our boxes on the shelf would be a proud moment knowing that the food miles are kept minimal and we are in control from farming and environmental to production, delivery and customer care.”
Mr Clarke is in the running for two prizes – Poultry Farmer and Best Food Producer (excluding dairy) – in this year’s Three Counties Food and Farming Awards.
Entries are now open for the 2022 event, which will take place on June 15.
So if you or anyone you know merits recognition for dedication, professionalism or innovation, visit herefordtimes.com/awards/foodandfarming and complete the online form to make a nomination.
Award categories are:
- Cattle Farmer
- Poultry Farmer
- Arable/Fruit Farmer of the Year
- Hop Farmer of the Year
- Family-run farm or Smallholding
- Farm Conservation & Diversification
- Best Farm Shop
- Best Dairy Producer
- Best Food Producer (exc. dairy)
- Best Drinks Producer
- Best Butchers
- Best Bakery
- Chef of the Year
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