Three generations of farming

Set in 3,200 acres of farmland near Leyburn in North Yorkshire, Metcalfe Farms has been in the same family since 1940, where it all began with 18 cows and 120 acres of land. Today, it has 1,300 dairy cows, 1,100 sheep, and is the largest employer in the area with 160 people. Managing Partner David Metcalfe runs the farm his grandfather started, with his brothers Brian and Philip, and parents John and Thora.

Diversification has been a key success factor. As well as the farming business, they also run a heavy haulage business with 85 trucks covering the UK and Europe, and a vehicle repair business. Metcalfe Farms has a strong ethos of giving back to the community, too – with satisfaction in producing food, providing jobs and sponsoring the local rugby team’s shirts.

David tells us how Tim Watson, Barclays Relationship Director for Metcalfe Farms, understands their complex business and has helped to take them from their initial plans to where they are today.

We talk to David Metcalfe about the rewards of being a farmer, his relationship with Barclays, and why it is important to give back to the community.