Meet our farmers

Tucked away in the breathtaking landscape of Dartmoor National Park, Frenchbeer Farm is a true testament to traditional, organic farming. For more than 30 years, the Malseed family has tended their 1,200-acre hill farm near Chagford, raising hardy cattle, sheep, and their now-famous heritage-breed turkeys.

Frenchbeer Farm operates under full organic certification, meaning that every animal is reared to the highest welfare standards, with freedom to roam, forage naturally, and grow at a natural pace. Life on a Dartmoor hill farm is no easy task, with the land exposed to all the seasons can throw at it. But for John, this is more than just farming – it's a way of life. His organic approach ensures that his animals live as nature intended, with open pastures, fresh air, and a natural diet. The Malseeds even grow their own organic oats, supplementing their turkeys' diet alongside organic feed.

John's dedication to organic farming makes him an invaluable part of our community, and we're proud to offer his exceptional produce at The Organic Butchery. His commitment to sustainable farming not only results in better meat but also supports a thriving ecosystem, preserving the land for future generations.

At The Organic Butchery, we believe that exceptional meat begins on the farm, with the land, the animals, and the people who care for them. Bowden Farm on Dartmoor is a key part of this story and a long-standing partner in our commitment to high-welfare, organic farming.

Located just under an hour from our Devon butchery, Bowden Farm is ideally placed to support our focus on local sourcing and low food miles. We have worked closely with farmer Russell Ashford and his family for many years, sourcing both organic beef and lamb. This relationship is built on trust, consistency, and a shared commitment to producing food that respects both animal welfare and the natural environment.

Bowden Farm has been in the Ashford family since the 1950s and was fully transitioned to organic farming in 1997. Today, the farm is home to Aberdeen Angus and British Blue cattle, as well as Scotch Blackface sheep, all breeds well suited to the Dartmoor landscape. The animals are raised on organic pasture, where they can graze freely and develop naturally, resulting in meat with depth of flavour, texture, and character that reflects both the breed and the land itself.