Rudfarlington Farm
2001 when pig prices were low
and we switched to the livery.
The horses provide a regular
income so long as you keep the
stables full and we have quite a
demand around here.’
The Christmas tree business
started about 20 years ago
when Mike was approached
to sell what were effectively
seconds.
‘I soon realised there was
a market and that the farm’s
location was ideal. We’ve
upped our game over the
years and the quality of trees
we sell is second to none.
Our main line is the non-drop
Nordmann Fir, but we also sell
Fraser Fir and Norway Spruce.
The first tree was delivered
last year on 20 November and
we’re always fully set up for
the big Christmas tree buying
period that starts at the end of
November. We also supply big
trees of around 20ft and more
for villages, pubs and clubs.
We supplied 110 trees for a
forest scene at an event in the
Harrogate International Centre
in early November 2016.
‘It’s a massively busy time
for everyone involved here
including Callum (Moore) who
works with me full time, my
good farming pal Tony Barton
from Sicklinghall and my son
Eddie (16) who started selling
trees when he was 10. My
nephews come to help as
well. Eddie’s all set to attend
agricultural college when he
finishes at school.
‘The new Christmas Barn
opened its doors for the first
time in December after much
help from Penny Hudson who
is involved with the livery yard.
I’d had customers coming
for trees ask about whether
we sold baubles, lights and
decorations for several years
so we gave it a go and it
was a real hit. I went to the
Harrogate Christmas Trade
Fair in January last year and
came out bamboozled after
the first day when I’d gone
on my own. I ended up going
every day and taking Callum
with me. I just couldn’t believe
the scale of Christmas as a
business. I’m already thinking
about this year’s festive
season and adding to what
we have done with perhaps
a resident florist making
wreaths to order.’
Mike has two daughters:
Emily (21) who is studying
at Heriot-Watt University
in Edinburgh and works at
Rudding Park; and Charlotte
(18) who is presently studying
for her A levels. Mike also has a
sister, Sue.
Sport and the Great Yorkshire
Show are his other interests.
‘I’m a fan of Leeds United and
Leeds Rhinos and I played on
the wing in rugby union. Eddie
is a flanker. The Great Yorkshire
Show is my holiday! I’m there
all three days. Oh and yes, we
have another diversification - as
one of our fields is used as a
car park for the show.’
The team at Harrogate are
delighted to support the Reynolds
family and their business.
For independent agricultural
business advice call us today.
01423 522 431
Ripon Farm Services are proud suppliers to
Mike Reynolds of Rudfarlington Farm
LAND, PROPERTY AND BUSINESS ADVISERS
PROVIDING SERVICES FROM SOUTHERN
SCOTLAND DOWN TO NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE
www.georgefwhite.co.uk
www.farmers-mart.co.uk Spring 2017 61