Business · Wiltshire-wide
Wiltshire family farm secures national farming business award
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
A third-generation Wiltshire farm has been recognised as the Family Farming Business of the Year after successfully diversifying into processing and event catering.
A Wiltshire family farm has been crowned Family Farming Business of the Year at the 2026 British Farming Awards, marking a significant milestone for the third-generation enterprise. The award highlights the success of Padfield Porkies, a business that has transformed its operations through a focus on supply chain control and diversification.
Run by John and Sandra Padfield, along with their daughters Sammie and other family members, the farm has evolved from traditional agricultural roots into a multi-faceted food business. The family currently rears pigs on their 48-hectare farm, located just two miles from their preferred abattoir, allowing them to maintain close oversight of the entire production process.
A key element of their success has been the expansion of their on-site butchery, which now produces a variety of goods including sausages, pies, sausage rolls, Scotch eggs and homemade faggots. By selling approximately half of their produce directly through their own outlets, the family has been able to exert greater control over pricing and reduce their dependence on market intermediaries.
The business has also seen substantial growth in its hospitality arm. Their dedicated hog roast and catering service has expanded significantly, growing from just six events annually to over 100. The infrastructure has been bolstered to support this growth, with the capacity to service multiple bookings on the same evening.
Commenting on the achievement, a spokesperson for the Padfield family noted their commitment to the business and the community, stating that while they do not view themselves as financially wealthy, the family feels rich in their hearts.
The judging panel for the British Farming Awards commended the family for their entrepreneurial spirit and clear approach to succession planning. They highlighted the farm as a forward-thinking model with a sustainable future for the next generation. The business expansion has also provided a boost to local employment, with the farm now supporting two full-time butchers and two additional self-employed members of staff.
Source: Wiltshire Times · View original