Recognition for Cornwall’s ‘Best Young Farmer’
Cornwall’s premium pork producer, Primrose Herd, is taking a moment to celebrate the outstanding achievements of its Head Butcher Jake Gregory, as the team prepare for their busiest time of year.
The hard work and dedication of Cornwall’s farming community was on display recently at the annual Cornwall Farm Business Awards, where Jake (26) was presented with the coveted title of ‘Best Young Farmer 2022’.
The awards were hosted at the Eden Project by The Addington Fund, a farming and rural charity which provides vital support to individuals, families, and communities during times of crisis.
For Jake’s employer, a family business which has been selling award-winning pork since 2000, the award is wholly justified and gives hope for the future of their industry.
Sally Lugg, Owner and Manager of Primrose Herd, commented: “The fact that Jake is able to sustain a full-time job in a tough industry such as ours, as well as excel as an internationally respected breeder of pedigree sheep and cattle, is extremely impressive. He’s a credit to the Cornish farming community and an inspiration to the next generation of farmers and food producers.”
Jake began a career in butchery at the age of 16; in 2014 he started working for Primrose Herd who specialise in pork from traditional breeds, reared slowly and naturally with lots of time outdoors.
In 2015 Jake started his own herd of pedigree livestock, which now includes British Simmentals, Charolais and Suffolk sheep; he has sold breeding animals throughout the UK, and his pedigree bulls have sired offspring worldwide.
The ‘Best Young Farmer’ category was sponsored by NatWest and the judges were extremely impressed by Jake’s enthusiasm, and his future plans to work with local schools to educate children and young people about the importance of farming in the UK.
Jake explained: “I think the next generation of farmers are going to be so important. As well as doing our day jobs, we have to be out there educating people too. That’s why I want to work with local schools, so kids have a better understanding of farming methods and ultimately will grow up to make good choices when it comes to buying food.”
After enjoying the glittering awards ceremony and a well-deserved break, Jake is now back in the Primrose Herd Butchery in Newham, preparing for the busy run-up to Christmas.
He said: “I was so happy to pick up such an amazing award, it’s still sinking in really! But there’s not much time to take stock in my line of work; my animals always need looking after, there’s loads of admin to keep on top of with pedigree breeding, and things are getting busy here in the butchery as Christmas orders come in.”
Primrose Herd have once again expanded their range of special Christmas products this year, with various hampers available and a loyal customer base across the UK keen to stock up on award-winning Cornish pork for the festivities.
Primrose Herd Butchery is at Unit 2 (next to Cornwall Cold Store), Lighterage Hill, Newham, Truro TR1 2XR. Click and collect orders can be placed online, and deliveries are available nationwide.