About us - Stody Estate
Established in 1941, Stody Estate is a family owned business situated close to Holt in North Norfolk. The farm grows a wide range of crops, including potatoes, sugar beet, peas, carrots, parsnips, barley, wheat, winter oilseed and daffodils. There is also some very attractive woodland with wild bluebells, snowdrops and rhododendrons, and the unspoiled chalk river the Glaven runs through the middle of the farm.
The farm owns 2 holiday cottages on the village green at Hunworth, within easy walking distance of The Hunny Bell. Finished to a high specification, Honeysuckle Cottage and Bluebell Cottage sleep 2 and are available for week and weekend lets. The Cottages have 1 bedroom with king size bed and en suite bathroom. Sitting room overlooking the quiet village green. Newly fitted kitchen with door leading out to a small private garden & terrace, with BBQ area and seating for up to 4 people. At the end of the garden are open views to woods beyond. More information and contact details can be found on the following website: www.stodyholidaycottages.co.uk/. Or please telephone Bella on 01263 710279
The farm also owns the village pub The Hunny Bell on the village green at Hunworth. Under the guidance of Henry Watt of Animal Inns and Manager Dan Watt, meals are served every lunchtime and evening freshly cooked to order. The menu is mostly seasonal and wherever possible the ingredients are sourced locally. The real ales served are Abbott Ale, Adnams Original, Woodfordes Wherry, Bass and a local guest ale. Tel: 01263 712300 or email: hunnybell@animalinns.co.uk Website www.thehunnybell.co.uk
Over the last 10 years, the farm was entered in a whole farm Countryside Stewardship Environmental Scheme, in conjunction with DEFRA, and has now just entered another 10 yerar Higher Level Environmental Scheme with Natural England. This includes the creation of new flower rich meadows, enhancing existing water meadows beside the River Glaven, using no artificial fertilisers or sprays on the grassland, and reducing stocking rates for the benefit of the livestock and the wildlife. Hedges are maintained, improved and new ones are being planted – as they are important for wind shelter as well as for wildlife. Grass margins have been established around all fields to provide habitat for flora and fauna, and to encourage ground nesting birds. There are nearly 100 species of birds regularly seen on the farm, and larger mammals include 4 types of deer, fox, badger, and an occasional otter.
About the crops
Potatoes
The potatoes are grown in partnership with MBMG for many markets; for crisps (including for Kettles in Norwich), chips (it is possible you are eating chips made from our potatoes when you visit MacDonalds), and for all the main supermarkets. The farm produces about 5,000 tonnes per year. Harvest starts in July and ends in October, with potatoes stored right through to June, ensuring a year round supply.Daffodils
The daffodils are planted in July for 2 years before being harvested, dried, and graded. Two thirds of the bulbs are exported to America and the other third used in the production of drugs for the treatment of alzheimers disease. We grow over 20 varieties that include yellow trumpet, double yellow, multi-headed, and ornamental varieties. In March each year the flowers are picked, and exported to European supermarkets. Annually, we sell about 12 million flower stems.
Sugar beet
The sugar beet is planted in March, and is harvested during the winter and delivered to Cantley Sugar Factory, near Norwich. The farm produces 10,000 tonnes of beet – which would make the equivalent of 1½ million bags of sugar!!!Barley
Barley is grown for the malting market, which is an important ingredient in beer, lager, whiskey, and other products. Malt from barley grown in Norfolk is used by local brewers, and all over the world.Wheat
Wheat is grown for the milling market to produce flour, and to be made into bread. It is also grown to be fed to cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry.
Oilseeds
These crops are grown to produce vegetable oils which are used mainly for cooking, and for specialist lubrication products. The seeds, once the oil has been extracted, are used for animal feed.Peas
The peas are grown for the frozen market, and many of them are exported to Italy.
Carrots and parsnips
These crops are mainly grown on the farm by specialist growers for the supermarket trade.
ALL THESE CROPS ARE GROWN TO ASSURED STANDARDS, AND WE ARE MEMBERS OF THE ASSURED COMBINEABLE CROPS, AND ASSURED PRODUCE SCHEMES.
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