Finalists – 2024 Family Farming Business of the Year – Sponsored by Goodyear Farm Tires
The Ladds Family, operating as R & E Ladds, runs a mixed farm with 200 Holstein cows, averaging 36-38 litres of milk per day through twice-daily milking. Their reproductive programme includes bulling with sexed semen and retaining all store cattle until 20-24 months. Alongside dairy, they manage 800 Texel cross and North of England Mule ewes, as well as 35 pedigree Texel ewes for breeding shearling tups.
Their farm contracting services cover forage harvesting, round baling, slurry work, and GPS-controlled fertiliser spreading. They also operate a 45-site static caravan park established post-foot-and-mouth disease, diversifying their income streams. Additionally, they partner with Kendal College, hosting practical classes and providing valuable hands-on experience for students.
The family business is led by Andrew and Cath Ladds, with sons Chris and Richard and their wives Brooke and Beth, supported by three year-round part-time staff, expanding to ten during peak seasons. They focus on efficiency, using advanced technology like GPS and auto-steer systems on most tractors, and simplifying cow rations to maintain high yield without compromising quality.
As tenant farmers, the Ladds emphasise the importance of maximising productivity on every acre and maintaining a strong relationship with their landlords. They have reduced fertiliser use by 25% through improved slurry management and are planting unmanageable fields with the Forestry Creation Grant.
Looking ahead, the Ladds Family hope to expand their farm by an additional 150 hectares, increasing their sheep and cattle numbers, and continue to play a key role in training skilled agricultural workers through their partnership with Kendal College.
You can view all of the 2024 Family Farming Business of the Year finalists here.