Since 28-year-old Emily McGowan returned in 2019 to Millbank Farm in Co. Down to run it alongside her parents, she has brought the business in a whole new direction.

Her role focuses on diversification, marketing, retail and developing new enterprises, and was a key driver behind the opening of a farm shop.

Emily told Agriland: "Our family farm is based in Killinchy, Co. Down, overlooking Strangford Lough.

After studying agri-marketing with business at Harper Adams University before going on to train at Ballymaloe Cookery School, she diversified the farming business.

"We have commercial broiler sheds, sheep, Highland cattle, the farm shop in Saintfield, and run events on the farm throughout the summer months.

"With the farmshop, we wanted to create a direct connection between the farm and our customers, giving people access to fresh local produce while allowing us to add value to what we produce ourselves," she said.

According to Emily, when the shop first opened in 2019, the response was "fantastic".

"The business has continued to grow, and we now employ 15 - mostly part time - people across the shop, kitchen, pantry and farm.

"We farm the land in a sympathetic way, and take every opportunity to enhance the local biodiversity of the countryside," Emily said.

Some of the environmental initiatives at Millbrook Farm include:

The planting of 14ac of coppices, hedgerows, and mixed variety hedges, offering enhanced habitats for the local flora and fauna;
5ac of wild flowers have been planted in recent years, offering a pollinator mix for bees, as well as creating a splash of colour for passers-by to enjoy.

"To create higher organic matter in our soils, livestock is kept on the farm for grazing, rotating the crops and spreading organic manure," Emily explained.

"Bat boxes offer habitats for the protected species in the local area."

Innovative netting is used to cover some of the crops.

"This covers the sprouting plants, forming a microclimate which aids growth and deters insects without the need for unnecessary pesticides.

"Plum and apple orchards provide habitats for bullfinches," she added.

Millbank Farm

Millbank Farm has existed on the same site in Killinchy since the late 19th century and the team is looking to the future with confidence.

"A lot has changed over the decades, but we have continued to produce great quality food for six generations and counting.

"We’re continuing to grow our Millbank branded stock in the shop. We’ve recently expanded into our own jams and chutneys, granolas, and muesli. 

"We’re also investing in experiences, including our seasonal flower field, coffee dock and family events, which help people connect with farming in a positive way," Emily added.