Our mission
We have a mission at Duckpit Valley. Not in the sense of some flowery nonsense designed to seduce you into buying our products, but in the sense of a mission that drives us, determines how we do things, and pretty much lives at the heart of everything that goes on at the farm. Without the flowery words then, our mission is what defines us.
So what is this worthy MISSION then? Well, its quite simply to rear healthy, well bred, well fed animals. And that leads to quality meat for your table.
The way we work
What does this mean on any given day in the Valley? Simply that we use traditional farming practices…'pure and simple, grass and time'. The animals are grazed extensively on downlands pasture to allow them to grow at a natural rate, producing flavoursome meat.
The enviroment
While we're doing all of this to get the delicious produce to your table, we're not forgetting the consequences of our actions. We farm with the environment in mind as well, doing everything under the countryside stewardship agreement, which strives to enhance and maintain the natural habitat around us. On this subject, we also think that buying direct from the farm gate reduces packaging and food miles. Its better for everyone really. Except maybe some nasty supermarkets.
Above all, we think its fair to say that we love what we do. And we take it very seriously. We hope that our passion might just inspire you to try farm fresh produce. We know once you do you won't go back.
Our story - Past
Farming, Waltham, Christmas turkeys, and the Lockwood family. Its a love story that goes way back. Three generations in fact. Back in the 1930's, when things were simpler. The Lockwood's were already producing delicious Christmas turkeys in Waltham. Now, some 70 years on, the Lockwoods are still at it, mixing the finest traditional honest values with the latest developments in good husbandry. The best of both worlds one might say.
Present
These days the farm is run by the father and son team of Richard and Ian. Its thriving...600 breeding ewes, 30 suckler cows to run with our resident Aberdeen Angus bull Julius, and from July onwards a flock of Norfolk bronze Christmas turkeys. And, the cherry on top - two well established holiday cottages ran by mum Janet.
Future
Duckpit Valley Meats was set up in 2000 by Ian, to retail the quality, free range local bronze Christmas turkeys direct to local villagers. From humble beginnings of 20 turkeys, we now have over 200. And the future is bright, along with his wife Sharminda he is expanding to supplying other produce reared on the farm including pork, lamb, and beef.
Its good times at Duckpit Valley, and we'd love you to be a part of it.