Top 10 Best Farming Companies in Oadby and Wigston

Farming Around Oadby and Wigston

Although Oadby and Wigston is largely suburban, the borough sits on the edge of beautiful Leicestershire countryside. Head south or east from Oadby and you quickly reach rolling farmland around Great Glen, Stoughton and Kibworth, where arable crops, grazing livestock and hedgerows define the landscape. Brocks Hill Country Park in Oadby offers a reminder of the area's rural roots, while farm shops and markets bring local produce to residents.

Leicestershire has a proud agricultural heritage. It is home to Stilton cheese, one of only a handful of British cheeses with protected status, and the famous Melton Mowbray pork pie. The county's farmers supply dairies, millers and food manufacturers across the region. This guide profiles ten farming and agri-food companies that matter to Oadby and Wigston.

Why Farming Matters to the Borough

Local farming supports food security, rural employment and the landscape that residents enjoy. Many people in Oadby and Wigston work in food manufacturing, logistics and agricultural services. Buying local produce also reduces food miles and supports the regional economy.

The Top 10 Farming and Agri-Food Companies Relevant to Oadby and Wigston

1. Long Clawson Dairy

Long Clawson Dairy is a farmer-owned cooperative in the Vale of Belvoir, Leicestershire, producing award-winning Stilton and other cheeses. Its members are local dairy farmers who supply milk for traditional cheese-making. It is a proud example of Leicestershire's agricultural excellence.

2. Tuxford and Tebbutt

Tuxford and Tebbutt has made Stilton in Melton Mowbray for well over a century. Its cheeses are celebrated for traditional character and quality. The creamery relies on milk from regional dairy farms, sustaining local agriculture.

3. Samworth Brothers

Samworth Brothers is a Leicestershire-based family food business producing sandwiches, savoury pastries and chilled foods, including the famous Dickinson and Morris Melton Mowbray pork pies. It sources ingredients from British farms and is a major regional employer. Many residents of the borough work for the company.

4. Arla Foods UK

Arla is a farmer-owned dairy cooperative and one of the UK's largest dairy companies, producing milk, butter and cheese. Dairy farmers across the Midlands supply Arla. Its focus on sustainable dairy farming is helping members reduce emissions.

5. Frontier Agriculture

Frontier Agriculture is the UK's leading crop production and grain marketing business, supplying seed, fertiliser and agronomy advice while buying grain from farmers. Leicestershire arable farmers rely on its expertise. It helps farmers improve yields and sustainability.

6. Agrii

Agrii provides agronomy advice, seed, crop protection and digital farming tools to farmers across the UK. Its research and trial sites help develop better farming practices. Arable farms around the borough use Agrii's agronomists to plan crops.

7. ForFarmers UK

ForFarmers supplies animal feed and nutritional advice to livestock farmers, including dairy, beef, pig and poultry producers. Its feed mills serve farms across England. Livestock farmers in Leicestershire value its nutritional expertise.

8. Wynnstay Group

Wynnstay is an agricultural supplier offering feed, seed, fertiliser and farm supplies through depots and country stores. It supports farmers with expert advice and products. Its rural stores also serve smallholders and equestrian customers.

9. Openfield

Openfield is a farmer-owned grain cooperative that markets grain and supplies agricultural inputs. It helps farmers secure fair prices and access to markets. Its cooperative structure aligns its interests with those of member farmers.

10. Müller UK and Ireland

Müller is one of the UK's largest dairy businesses, collecting milk from thousands of British farms and producing milk, yogurts and desserts. It supports farmers through sustainability programmes. Many homes in Oadby and Wigston enjoy its products daily.

How to Engage With Local Farming

Residents can support local farming by shopping at farm shops, farmers markets and butchers that stock Leicestershire produce. Businesses such as restaurants and cafes can build menus around seasonal, local ingredients. Schools can partner with farms for educational visits that teach children where food comes from.

• Look for Red Tractor and protected food name labels.
• Buy Leicestershire Stilton and Melton Mowbray pork pies to support local producers.
• Visit farm shops near the borough for fresh, seasonal produce.

Trends in Farming

British agriculture is undergoing significant change. New environmental land management schemes reward farmers for improving soil health, biodiversity and water quality. Precision agriculture, using GPS, drones and sensors, helps farmers apply inputs more efficiently. Regenerative farming practices are gaining popularity. Climate change is creating challenges and opportunities, while labour shortages are driving interest in robotics and automation.

Consumers increasingly value provenance, sustainability and animal welfare, creating opportunities for Leicestershire producers to promote their quality and heritage.

Final Thoughts

Farming remains an important part of life around Oadby and Wigston, from the dairy herds that supply Stilton creameries to the arable fields on the borough's doorstep. The ten companies above support and showcase Leicestershire agriculture. By choosing local produce and understanding the farming sector, residents and businesses can help sustain the countryside for future generations.