25 YEARS OF REMEMBRANCE BY ESTHER PALMER

This September, we are commemorating and celebrating 25 years since my much-loved father, and Adam’s grandfather, Brian, was tragically killed on the farm in a tractor accident. We celebrate because Adam has successfully been continuing and developing his legacy now for 25 years. His grandfather had always wanted him to continue on the farm, and they had been working together throughout Adam’s teenage years, but Adam was only 19 and still at college when he took over. He continued his studies, coping with the restrictions surrounding foot and mouth at the time, and, with some support from the family, managed the farm.

We feel incredibly fortunate — the Halifax Estate has always believed in family farming, and even early on, Lord Halifax kindly recognised Adam’s potential, and gave his support.

We worked tirelessly over the next few years to make the house habitable and improve the farm buildings. His Dad, Ben spent his leave from his role as a sea captain, balanced on farm roofs! At the time, the farm itself was too small to support a family, so diversification was essential.

Adam, with the support of Ben, began to produce cold pressed rapeseed oil. Their enthusiasm for producing British food grew, and so did the Yorkshire Rapeseed Oil brand, and later Charlie and Ivy’s. Adam has for the last few years been committed to farming regeneratively, to secure both the future of farming, and the planet for future generations.

Farming has always had significant challenges, and both Adam and Jennie have worked unwaveringly to make the farm and the wider business a success, whilst supporting a growing and passionate team. My father would have been so impressed by them.

Next year the family will celebrate 70 years on the farm. An extraordinary milestone and a great celebration for all who have helped and supported Adam and the family along the way.