blade farming - A modern approach to traditional farming

About Us

Meet the Blade Team

The team of people who make up the Blade business has a wealth of experience behind them. Each has their own area of expertise, and is committed to improving the quality of the Beef produced by the Blade business.

To discuss any aspect of the Blade business, please contact us. The team is spread throughout our trading region, and is in regular contact with our office base in Langport, Somerset. Farm visits from any member of the team can easily be arranged to select cattle and calves, or business appointments can be made to discuss the detail of the Blade contracts.

Richard Phelps started the Blade business in 2001 and is responsible for our name and the branding of Blade Farming. He is connected to our key customers through Southern Counties Fresh Foods and the Hilton Food Group as a Director for both companies. Richard is responsible for securing business for Blade by working closely with key customers and delivering volume to our farmers.

Gavin Iles has been involved in livestock marketing for more than 25 years working for a livestock cooperative. He joined Blade in 2005 as Operations Director to oversee all aspects of the Blade business. Gavin is focusing on areas for improvement for the Blade farmers ensuring that we remain the most efficient farm business model in the UK by negotiating with feed and veterinary suppliers and getting the best deal.

Richard Jones joined the Blade team having worked in various different sectors of the agricultural industry, most recently in livestock marketing. He is now responsible for developing the business with key partners, as well as being closely involved in the collection centres and rearing units. As well as selecting finished cattle and cows he is developing the Organic sector of the business as it likely to become an increasingly popular brand as time goes on.

Ian Ellicott has a wealth of experience in the livestock industry and has recently been specialisng in young and reared calves. He manages the collection centres, and keeps abreast with the market trends to make sure Blade are paying a fair price for stock. Ian buys large numbers of calves in the South West, selling them and weaned calves all over the country. Please contact him for advice or to discuss your buying and selling policy.

Alex Robinson Being the link between the Calf rearers and the Blade business is the role that Alex has in the Blade team. She coordinates the filling and emptying of the units, and also liaises with the office on the ordering of supplies for the rearers. Alex also oversees the calf collection and rears calves on contract for Blade.

Sarah Cuff is well known to farmers in the SW as she has worked in the livestock office since 1993 taking phone calls from producers and arranging livestock payments to be made. Sarah ensures that all of our paperwork is compliant and is the point of contact in the Blade office for rearers and finishers.

Sarah O'Connell joined the business in 2008 and in 2010 became responsible for all accounting functions for Blade. Her grandparents had a farm in Devon and she has always been used to being around livestock so working with Blade farmers is familiar territory.

Richard Norman is well known in his area having worked in the industry and shown his own dairy cows throughout the South West. As an agent for Blade he is always keen to visit farms to assess and price your calves, and also give sound advice on breeding and sire selection.

Contact Us or call 0845 601 3281 to find out how the Blade Team could help your business.

Blade Farming - Muchelney Road, Huish Episcopi, Langport, Somerset TA10 9HG
Tel: 0845 601 3281 | Fax: 01458 254 556