WHO ARE WE?

Deben Farm Club is a Farm Discussion group based in East Suffolk. We were set up in the early 1950’s to promote the benefits of good agricultural practices principally to increase yields after the Second World War. Today we still have that ethos, together with focussing on bringing people based in the rural landscape together to share ideas and practices. The Club is open to anyone who has an interest in the countryside and enjoys meeting and socialising with like-minded people in a relaxed atmosphere.

The current Chairman is Thorndon farmer Richard Scott. Richard’s heavy land farm produces a typical range of crops: wheat, barley, oilseeds and sugar beet. A recent new venture is the planting of a small vineyard. Richard also contract farms land for neighbouring farms and this includes some land farmed organically. Richard is a very forward-thinking farmer and is always looking at alternative ways to achieve good results. Away from farming Richard enjoys shooting and rugby.

The Club’s vice Chairman is also a farmer, Oli Pipe from Tuddenham, just north of Ipswich. Oli also grows wheat, barley, rye, oilseeds, sugar beet and regularly has some lighter textured soils rented out for potato seed production. When not farming, family man Oli is a keen sportsman, playing hockey and also sailing.

The Club Secretary is Alan Gray. Alan is from a farming family based just outside Framlingham. Alan has been involved in the local fertiliser industry for over 30 years and enjoys both a professional and social relationship with many of the Club’s members. Alan’s hobbies include, travel, gardening and sport.

WHAT DO WE DO?

The Club meets five times during the winter months and then in the summer-time for a farm walk, farm tour and “non-farming” event take place. The farm tour alternates between visits within the UK and abroad. Last year the Club was in Kent, the previous tour was to Australia and this year the Club is visiting North Rhine Westphalia area in Germany.