Meet the farmers

Ian R Prior

Located on the welsh border, I have established my fairly young farming business in prime potato production location. Farming for 22 years in what is locally known as the golden valley and sheltered by the black mountains.

I have been growing potatoes for the Albert Bartlett business for 3 years; growing Vivaldi, Rooster and now Marabel. I also have arable crops comprising Rape, Wheat, Beans, Winter Oats, Grass, 200 Ewes and 30 suckle cows.

The storage site at Holsty farm is built around Madley airfield Second World War training and communications base for the U.S.A.F, with 2 converted hangers as cold stores. Irrigators, harvesters and other equipment are all operated by 3 full time staff and up to 25 seasonal staff employed from March to November.

The main holding, owned by the Duchy of Cornwall and Visited by Prince Charles on occasions, is home to some of the counties ancient Woodland, conservation and managed wildlife areas. I have an E.L.S catchment sensitive area including Buffer strips, Lakes and conservation wet land.

I also own and run holiday cottages with my wife and have an events yard for 20 horses. Holsty farm are sponsors and supporters of the Eskleyside ploughing matches and dog trials. Any spare time I can find is spent restoring vintage cars and motorcycles. Back to Farmers