Brothers Mel and Andrew Streek have long held a passion for farming. Though it has taken almost four decades to turn their dream, into reality.
“Andrew and I have always been interested in agriculture, but it has been an industry that has been out of reach, until recently,” explains Mel Streek.
Having built a multi-million pound bathroom distribution business from scratch over the last 40 years, the pair have spent the last nine years pursuing their farming dream. But rather than invest millions into a large slice of the countryside in pursuit of thousands of acres of prime land, the Kent-based brothers started out with a much more modest fruit farm.
Since 2015, their farming operation has gradually expanded to include a total of 620 acres farmed across several small-holdings around the Goudhurst area, that sit under the Claygate Farms umbrella.
“We bought Wilsley Park Farm in 2015 with 80 acres of orchards,” says Mel. “It grows apples, pears, plums and has an ancient bluebell woodland, and we’ve been slowly introducing new trees and new varieties.”
Mel says he and his brother’s focus on farming is to diversify and apply a mindset that is geared towards delivering a positive customer experience.
“As we’ve found out through our primary business activities, customer service is an essential part of our Claygate brand,” adds Mel. “And that also sits hand-in-hand with quality and loyalty. Customers won’t come back if you give bad service and supply poor products, and we’re applying the same focus with our farm produce.”
Operations director Trevor Bartlett who has worked with Mel and Andrew for over 20 years, has been instrumental in steering the brothers’ farming business. Trevor’s farming background and interest in agriculture has so far over-seen replanting of almost half the orchards at Wilsley Park Farm.
“We’re now producing fruit juices and our Plucky Pheasant cider, which is for sale through local outlets and our own Taywell Farm Shop at Goudhurst,” explains Trevor. “Last year, we entered our fruit at a national fruit show, and won seven prizes, including rosettes and cups.”
In addition, Trevor is also responsible for on-going developments at the nearby Spratsbourne Estate which comprises Spratsbourne Farm, Spratsbourne Hill Farm and the recently acquired Wenman Park. Here, the emphasis is on livestock production.
A suckler herd of around 70 pedigree Sussex cows with calves is complimented by a flock of 300 breeding ewes, and the Estate is looking to expand with an outdoor pig enterprise at the all-grassland farm.
A total of 18 bee hives have also been introduced to add diversity and provide a source of locally produced honey, and around 60 acres of woodland supports a small-scale shoot adding game into the mix.
“We are developing a field to fork policy with a local focus that will supply premium products to customers,” adds Trevor. “It is Claygate Farms’ goal to show top class livestock and produce award-winning pork, lamb, beef and game.”
Trevor adds that there is no quick fix nor short cuts, but only hard work and planned investment to turn the Claygate Farms operation into a centre of excellence, with high welfare standards supported by LEAF and Red Tractor assurances.
“We acquired a lot of old kit and with it, run-down infra-structure that is currently being replaced across Spratsbourne Estate,” he says. “We’ve not rushed in to equipment purchases, but prefer to work out what is likely to best suit the business, then add it to the plan.”
Part of that reinvestment has recently seen 130hp and 140hp Kubota M6 tractors join the fleet, along with a second-hand telehandler, all through local dealer Lister Wilder, as the farm seeks to develop efficient solutions for daily tasks.
“I liked what I saw visiting the dealership,” explains Trevor. “It’s a clean, tidy and professional business. We’ve had great service with a number of items we’ve bought through Lister Wilder already, and good customer service is rewarded with our loyalty.”
Trevor says that while Claygate Farms is brand-loyal, he also believes the Kubota tractors represented great value for money, backed up with the security of a five-year manufacturer warranty.
“The M6-131 Utility came first of all, and we were so pleased with it, and the service, that we added an M6-142 with a loader,” says Trevor. “Having a loader gives us more operational flexibility, though we’ll never clock-up the hours before the warranty expires.”
Trevor says that a local contractor is called upon for heavier field work, but as the farm continues to evolve with labour and equipment, some of the more time-dependent tasks may be carried out directly, making the most of smaller, lighter equipment.
“We do need to produce high quality forage for our livestock, until we can put turn them out onto pasture in each Spring,” says Trevor. “It may be that we look to produce our own hay and haylage in future, to make the most of timing and weather conditions.”
While it may be coincidence that orange is part of Claygate’s corporate colours, Mel Streek points out that he and Andrew prefer to be different.
“We don’t tend to follow what others are doing, but choose to follow our own course,” says Mel. “And the Kubota tractors are noticeably different – there’s not too many around here yet.”
Longer term goals for the business include the development of an on-farm butchery and a cookery school – the latter supported and operated by close associate and Green Michelin-starred chef Will Devlin, offering visitors the opportunity to develop foraging and cookery skills. On-farm glamping and Air BnB accommodation will also enable guests to enjoy a fully immersive stay at Claygate Farms.
“We’re extremely excited about our farming journey, but there’s a lot of work to do,” adds Mel Streek. “By continually developing our traditional farming practices, our aim is to become self-sufficient with manures, forage and produce, to create a sustainable future at Claygate Farms.”
