Posted on Monday 22nd December 2025
Tenant farmer Tom Chapman with Acting Leader of SCC, Martin Murray
Staffordshire's county farms estate has delivered another strong year, continuing to provide vital opportunities for new and progressing farmers while generating income for public services.
Over the last year, Staffordshire County Council’s estate of 63 tenant farms, covering around 6,500 acres, has returned £734,000 in net income to the council.
Alongside this financial return, the estate continues to support local food production, rural businesses, and jobs across Staffordshire.
The past year has seen five new tenants take up holdings on the estate, while two existing tenants have progressed to larger farms, highlighting the role county farms play as a stepping stone within the industry.
One of those new tenants is Edward Johnson from Stone, who grew up on the county farms estate where his father, Philip, is a dairy tenant on the Yarlet Estate.
Keen to follow in his footsteps, Edward successfully secured his own starter dairy holding in Whitgreave, moving onto the farm in June.
Edward said:
“Born and raised on a Staffordshire County Council dairy farm, I have always worked towards wanting a place of my own.
"With a huge passion for dairy farming, gaining this tenancy has meant I can start farming in my own right due to the council’s ability to encourage new entrants into an industry that isn’t easy to get started in.”
Also newly moved in at starter livestock holding in Haughton is Luke Greenfield and his partner, Delyth.
Luke said:
“We started farming at a small holding in Cheshire and moved on to our council holding earlier this year.
“We have 130 cows and 80 sheep. We have also brought our six dogs and two cats with us. Looking forward to seeing where our farming journey takes us!”
Staffordshire County Council has been renting out affordable farms since 1908, with a long-standing focus on livestock and dairy farming.
Martin Murray, Acting Leader of Staffordshire County Council and Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, said:
“Our county farms give new and young farmers a genuine route into the industry. Buying a farm outright is simply out of reach for most people, which is why these tenancies are so important.
“The estate also delivers real value for residents, generating income for the council while supporting local businesses, jobs, and supply chains.
“Our tenants represent the future of farming in Staffordshire, and county farms help lay the foundations for the next generation.”
More county farms will become available to let next year. Anyone interested is encouraged to sign up to the county farms mailing list by emailing their name, address and telephone number to county.farms@staffordshire.gov.uk.
More information about Staffordshire’s county farms can be found at Farms - Staffordshire County Council.