Yesterday I caught up with Andy Morrison, who has spent the past 27 years at Horseshoe Farm, to enquire what the future holds for his family and the farm which he has recently put up for sale.
Andy explained that he has taken the difficult decision to sell Horseshoe Farm so he can concentrate on the farming side of the business, which is what he really enjoys and feels he is losing touch of.
He said "There just aren't enough hours in the day to produce the food and look after the shop properly. We have the other farm in Nether Alderley, where most of the food we currently sell is produced, so the intention is to focus on the Nether Alderley Farm.
"We have planning permission to build a new home there but we definitely won't be adding farm shop."
Andy Morrison started his working life at a dairy farm in Bramhall but having had his hours cut, because the owners could no longer afford him, Andy was persuaded to start renting Horseshoe Farm by Mr and Mrs Mackay who lived at the bottom of the land.
Andy explained "When I took over 27 years ago it was just grazing land, all that existed was a derelict shed. Then 6-7 years later I bought it and installed mains water and electricity. Initially we obtained planning permission for a mobile home then 18 months later we got planning permission for the house. We built everything that you see at the farm today."
The farm shop was established 15 years ago but has altered significantly in the past 6 years, with a bakery having been added more recently.
Andy said "The shop is doing extremely well, turnover is up this year and I love the shop but I have created a beast and am no longer in control.
"I am a very proud man who believes in doing a job properly, from start to finish, which is no longer possible because it has all become too busy.
"If we do sell though I genuinely hope that the new owners will continue to run the farm shop and drive it forward. We have a loyal following which is based on service and quality and I would like to see that continue and hopefully I can continue to supply the shop."
Horseshoe Farm was shortlisted for the 2009 Cheshire Life Food and Wine Awards, having been nominated as a ' Food Hero' - whose produce is considered second to none. The family run business is renowned for its home reared Angus beef, traditionally smoked bacon, hams, pork and sausages all from their own pigs. It also has a reputation for the most succulent hand reared lambs and Cheshire bronze turkeys at Christmas.
The four bedroom farm house, award-winning farm shop and outbuildings, in all just under 3 acres, is being marketed by Jackson-Stops & Staff of Wilmslow.
