Buy better: straight from the (sheep) farmers

Written By Kate Todd

Watching the farming protests this week, I’ve been thinking about how we all help can best help.

Not just by lobbying the government to reverse the new inheritance tax changes but as we all know, putting money directly into farmers’ bank accounts through buying directly from them. That really makes a visible difference.

Plus, its better for you as well!

How?

  • Better quality

  • Likely more sustainable

  • More money stays in the local economy

So, going back to the roots of Near-By, I thought I’d start sharing the best British farmers (and brands supporting them) to shop with this Christmas. Starting today with sheep farmers and British wool supporters. Here goes:

  • Haye Farm: A 66-acre organic farm in East Devon with 200 Exlana ewes. Shipping organic lamb nationwide: https://www.hayefarmdevon.co.uk

  • Graig Farm Organics: Based in Montgomeryshire, Wales, shipping Welsh lamb nationwide with free delivery on orders over £80: https://www.graigfarm.co.uk

  • Sustainable Rope: Makers of natural rope, braid, and fabric from British wool within a 60-mile radius of their West Yorkshire workshop. Their Santa Sacks, in collaboration with the woollen cwytch company support the 4 Nations shearing teams heading to the 2026 World Shearing Championship in New Zealand: https://sustainablerope.com

  • Askerton Castle Estate: A 1,846-acre organic farm near Hadrian's Wall in Cumbria. Certified organic, they ship meat boxes across mainland UK and sell at local farmers’ markets too: https://sustainablerope.com

  • Lake District Tweed: I know I highlighted them on Instagram yesterday but they definitely deserve a second shout out as they farm their own sheep while also supporting 12 other sheep farms in the Lake District through buying their wool for their tweed and throws. Their woven throws and tweeds really are stunning. Please do look them up if you haven’t already: https://lakedistricttweed.com

  • And last but in no way least the brilliant Twool who have been making colour popping garden twine, dog leads and collars and gardens accessories (among other great produce) from wool from local rare breed Whiteface Dartmoor sheep for over 15 years. Their twine is also perfect for gift wrapping too: https://twool.co.uk

    Who else should I add to this list? 

    Let me know in the comments, I’d love to give them a share as well.

Kate Todd https://www.near-by.co
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