Richard Pedley

NFU Uplands Forum, North West representative

In partnership with his parents and family, Richard farms a 1200 acre hill sheep and beef farm which is situated on the Cumbria/Lancashire Border within the newly extended Yorkshire Dales National Park.

The farm runs a pedigree flock of Swaledales and breeds Swaledales and North of England Mules; pedigree Swaledale ewes are kept within the flock as replacements and males are sold either to Marks and Spencer or as shearlings for breeding. A closed herd of 40 beef cows made up of pedigree British Blues and commercial Limousin and Blue and Limousin crosses also keep Richard busy on the farm.

Richard is concerned about the viability of upland farming in future years without access to support payments and the necessity of graziers working together to save the commons.