Top 10 Best Farming Companies in Lichfield

Farming in the Lichfield District

Beyond the cathedral spires and busy commuter routes, the Lichfield district is surrounded by productive farmland. The fertile river valleys of the Trent, Tame and Blithe support arable crops such as wheat, barley and oilseed rape, while grassland across the district sustains dairy herds, beef cattle and sheep. Fruit and vegetable growers supply farm shops and pick-your-own attractions, and diversified farms host cafés, events and holiday accommodation.

Farming contributes to the local economy, shapes the landscape and provides food for residents across Staffordshire. This guide profiles ten farming businesses and organisations that play an important role in and around Lichfield.

Trends Shaping Local Agriculture

Farmers are adapting to a new policy landscape centred on environmental land management, with payments increasingly linked to soil health, hedgerows, biodiversity and water quality. Precision farming technologies such as GPS-guided machinery, drones and soil sensors are improving efficiency. Diversification has become essential for many farms, with farm shops, cafés, renewable energy and tourism providing additional income. Consumers are also showing growing interest in local, seasonal and high-welfare produce.

The Top 10 Farming Companies in and Around Lichfield

1. Packington Moor Farm

Located just outside Lichfield, Packington Moor Farm is a much-loved family farm known for its pick-your-own fruit, farm shop, butchery and café. It showcases seasonal produce and local foods, and has become a popular destination for families and food lovers from across the district.

2. Packington Free Range

Packington Free Range is a Staffordshire farming business producing free-range pork and chicken. Its commitment to high animal welfare, outdoor rearing and quality has earned it a strong reputation with chefs, butchers and consumers throughout the Midlands.

3. Arla Foods

Arla Foods is a farmer-owned dairy cooperative, and many Staffordshire dairy farmers are members. Through Arla, local farms supply milk that becomes well-known dairy products, and the cooperative supports sustainability initiatives and farm standards across its membership.

4. Staffordshire Cheese Company

The Staffordshire Cheese Company produces traditional cheeses using milk from local dairy herds. Its products celebrate the county's dairy heritage and are sold through farm shops, delis and markets, helping add value to local milk production.

5. Shugborough Estate

Shugborough Estate, cared for by the National Trust near Great Haywood, includes historic farmland and a working estate farm. It helps visitors understand Staffordshire's agricultural heritage while demonstrating conservation-focused land management.

6. Frontier Agriculture

Frontier Agriculture is one of the UK's leading crop production and grain marketing businesses. Arable farmers around Lichfield use its agronomy advice, seed, fertiliser and crop protection products, as well as its grain marketing services.

7. Openfield

Openfield is a farmer-owned grain cooperative that stores, markets and trades grain on behalf of its members. It helps Staffordshire arable farmers access markets, manage price risk and benefit from collective strength.

8. Lichfield Farmers' Market

The Lichfield Farmers' Market brings local producers into the historic Market Square, offering meat, cheese, bread, preserves and seasonal vegetables. It provides a vital direct sales channel for small farms and artisan food makers from the surrounding countryside.

9. NFU Staffordshire

The National Farmers' Union in Staffordshire represents farmers and growers across the county, including the Lichfield district. It provides advice on regulation, planning and business matters, and champions the interests of local agriculture at regional and national level.

10. Staffordshire Young Farmers

The Staffordshire Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs supports the next generation of farmers and rural young people. Through training, competitions and social activities, it builds skills, confidence and community spirit in the rural areas surrounding Lichfield.

Why Local Farming Matters

Buying from local farms supports the rural economy, reduces food miles and helps preserve the countryside that makes Lichfield such an attractive place to live. Farm shops and markets allow consumers to meet producers, learn about how food is grown and enjoy produce at its freshest. For restaurants and retailers, local sourcing offers a compelling story that resonates with customers.

Farming also provides environmental benefits when managed sustainably. Hedgerows, field margins, woodland and wetlands on farmland provide habitats for wildlife, while healthy soils store carbon and improve water quality in rivers such as the Trent and Tame.

Challenges Facing Local Farmers

Farmers face rising input costs, unpredictable weather, labour shortages and changing government support schemes. Development pressure around growing towns can also affect farmland availability. Collaboration through cooperatives, advisory organisations and direct-to-consumer sales helps farms remain resilient and profitable.

Visiting Farms Around Lichfield

Many farms welcome the public throughout the year. Summer brings pick-your-own strawberries and raspberries, autumn is pumpkin season, and farm cafés provide a relaxing destination at any time. Visiting local farms is an excellent way for families to learn where food comes from while supporting the businesses that care for the Staffordshire countryside.

Conclusion

Agriculture remains at the heart of the Lichfield district's identity. From family-run destinations like Packington Moor Farm to cooperatives such as Arla and Openfield, the farming businesses and organisations above help feed the region, care for the landscape and strengthen rural communities.