Broughton Water Buffalo Farm Visit 27th September 2006

On a beautiful morning, in late September, 45 CPRE members and their friends enjoyed the spectacular scenery and wildlife at the Broughton Water Buffalo Farm near Stockbridge.

The water buffalo farm comprises of 550 acres of farm land, including 200 acres of grass lays and 160 acres of arable chalk downland, which Dagan and his wife have reverted with support from the Countryside Stewardship Scheme. There is currently a mixture of 185 Italian and Romanian water buffalo at the farm, and the tour provided guests with the opportunity to view the process of rearing them for meat production, in a natural farming system.

Dagan James, the farm manager, wowed all the guests with his dedicated farming techniques that ensure that the animals and the land are managed in an efficient environmentally friendly way. He explained their plans for the future such as reducing their dependency on artificial fertilisers and pesticides, to turn the farm into a totally organic system by next spring.

Guests were delighted with Dagans informative and entertaining talk about the farm and the water buffalo, and were charmed by the inquisitive water buffalo, who rushed over as we approached their paddocks, and who seemed to be as interested in us as we were in them. The tour allowed guests to look at the breeding cows, young stock and finishing animals, as well as the natural flora such as clover, Lucerne and fern, that is able to thrive alongside the buffalo, and allows maximum fertility and biodiversity of the soil and the landscape.

At the conclusion of the visit while all concerned were tucking into their buffalo burgers John Cooper, Test Valley District Group Chairman, expressed the party's appreciation for a fascinating and enjoyable morning. Later John also commented:

"It is great to see such a successful diversification exercise with the farm moving into organic status and developing its buffalo herds. Dagan has spoken about the work of the farm with a deep sense of commitment, with enthusiasm and considerable professional knowledge".

"The farm's approach resonated with much of CPRE's campaigning for farming; it was an encouraging case study of enterprise in farming, moving away from the old production subsidies to the new and belated single farm grant with its strict environmental conditions. The farm has introduced an entirely new "product" and was developing a local customer base through farmers markets and local farm shops. The buffalo product met the highest standards of animal welfare as well as giving meat that was low in fat and cholesterol, meeting the worries of many of today's consumers".

Photo: Abi Jarvis

Pam Mason
CPRE Hampshire Administrator

This page last updated 27th July 2006