North Farm Livestock crowned ‘Producer of the Year’
18th December 2025
North Farm Livestock is partnering with an increasing number of landowners, farmers and estates to integrate outdoor pigs into their rotation. Its year of significant growth has now been capped off by multiple National Pig Awards.
At the event in London in November, North Farm Livestock won Producer of the Year and Outdoor Producer of the Year. One of North Farm Livestock’s free-range team leaders, Eddie Clarke, also won Stockperson of the Year after almost a quarter of a century with the business.
The company, which is currently expanding its operation to support Waitrose’s commitment to a 100% free-range own-label pork supply chain by 2027, was described by judges as “an outstanding pig business that exemplifies so much that is positive about the British pig industry”.
Todd Baker, part of the business’ leadership team, said: “This is a testament to the wonderful team we have at North Farm livestock and belongs to everyone who works with us. It is a privilege to win both awards and we are incredibly proud.”
Period of growth
These awards come amidst a period of significant growth for North Farm Livestock as it works
with Waitrose and Pilgrims’ Europe to deliver on Waitrose’s market-leading commitment. Since 15th October 2025, all pork mince, steaks, chops and joints in Waitrose have been from free-range farms.
Waitrose is committed to all its own brand pork products being free range by 2027, meaning those pigs will have spent their entire life outdoors.
With farms across East Anglia, North Farm Livestock is continuing to grow as more landowners, estates and farmers look to partner with the business.
The family explain: “We have heard from so many farmers and landowners who are looking at the prices they are receiving for their crops and realising they need to add something else to their farm. They are so passionate about producing food and having a working farm, but they also need something which is going to bolster their bottom line. That’s where North Farm Livestock and our pigs come in.”
“Anyone can pay rent,” adds Michael, speaking with a passion clearly shared by the whole leadership team, “but we know that our success is built upon the relationship we have with the landowner and the service we provide to them”.
The team explain how they drill a grass mix prior to putting pigs down to maintain ground cover and soil structure, how they level the land before returning it to the landowner at the end of their tenancy and how they want to support the wider success of each farming business they partner with.
Visible benefits to crops
Jono Darby, farm manager at Albanwise Farming Ltd, who has North Farm Livestock’s free-range pigs on his farm says:
“We first had outdoor pigs on the farm five years ago and we’ve been very pleased with the results. The pigs add fertility to the fields they’re on, which has added visible benefits to the subsequent crops. Personally, I have enjoyed the improvement in biodiversity with more lapwings, starlings and snipe on the uncultivated pig fields. North Farm Livestock have always carried out their work with the utmost professionalism and I look forward to working with them for many more years.”
“We’re proud to work with dedicated British farmers who share our passion for animal welfare,” adds Jake Pickering, head of agriculture for Waitrose. “These farmers are the heart of our business, and we’re committed to supporting them in delivering exceptional pork.
“Waitrose is already a leader in free range pork, representing 55% of the UK market. This new commitment solidifies Waitrose’s position at the forefront of animal welfare and quality. The succulent, flavourful free-range pork available at Waitrose has come from pigs that have spent all their days outdoors, roaming freely and enjoying a natural lifestyle. That’s the Waitrose difference.”
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