From Field to Feeder: How a Local Lincolnshire Farm Grows Our Bird Food

Why the Lincolnshire Wolds?

wildflower meadow on farm in Lincolnshire Wolds

The farm sits atop the Wolds - a ridge of rolling chalk hills known for their scenic views and, interestingly, their tough farming conditions. The soils here are classified as Grade 2, which indicates decent agricultural quality, but the variability of soil types can be challenging to work with when the weather turns against you. The east side of the 500 acre farm lies over a base of flint and chalk where the soils are thinner, whereas the western side ranges from deeper blow away sand which almost every season suffers from drought (too very heavy sticky soils where establishing crops can be more challenging) - but they’re far from easy to work with. In farming terms, this makes it hard for crops to thrive - unless you know exactly how to help them.

close up image of wheat

Still, the location brings some unique advantages. Being on higher ground helps the farmers work around modern weather extremes - they can often time their planting and harvesting more effectively than those in wetter, lower-lying regions. And despite the challenges, this land has been cultivated for generations, producing wheat and oats that are key to our bird food mixes.

The Growing Year: From Sowing to Harvest

  • A full growing season is a complex and carefully timed process. It starts in late summer or early autumn, just after the previous crop has been harvested. The field is sown with a cover crop - a mix of different plant species that aren’t harvested but help improve soil health over the winter. While this practice costs more than it earns in direct payments, the long-term benefits to soil fertility and structure are worth the investment. Before planting the next crop of oats or wheat, the field is cleared to remove weeds. Then, using a direct drill (no ploughing required), seeds are sown straight into the ground. This method disturbs the soil as little as possible, preserving the structure and microbial life within.

  • harvest time with combine harvester and tractor

    When the crop turns golden and moisture levels drop to around 15%, it’s time to harvest. But even then, the work isn’t over. Grain must be cooled immediately to prevent spoilage - and sometimes even dried if the moisture content is too high. Drying uses electric or diesel-powered fans, which can be costly, but it's essential
    for maintaining the quality of the grain.

Local Food, Local Impact

  • The Haith's bird food centre in Louth, Lincolnshire and the wildlife garden and pond area created for the Naturespace project to attract wildlife to the site.

    One of the things the farmer values most is knowing their grain is used just down the road. In a world where food often travels thousands of miles from field to
    plate (or in our case, feeder), there’s something special about keeping things
    local.

    “It used to sound daft to say there’s a story behind every product,” he told us. “But the more you understand how much effort goes in, the more you realise - the story matters.”

    For us, knowing the people who grow the ingredients in our bird food makes the whole process more meaningful. It’s not just about grain - it’s about relationships, sustainability, and pride in local production.
of farmer looking at fields of wheat

The Heart Behind the Harvest

Despite the challenges - rising costs, unpredictable weather, global market pressures - the passion for farming hasn’t waned.

“Everything I’ve said probably sounds a bit negative,” the farmer admitted. “But I actually really enjoy it. It’s not a job. It’s a lifestyle.”

Even on holiday, his thoughts drift back to the fields, wondering how things are going back home. Because when you’re that connected to the land, it never really leaves you.

We've chosen Lincolnshire wheat because it's local & thanks to farmer Matt, it's now included in our products.

  • English Wheat - Haith's

    Lincolnshire Wheat

    Our premium English Wheat is sourced from a trusted UK farm (just 11 miles away), ensuring the highest quality and sustainability for your feathered friends.

    Shop here 
  • Original Wild Bird Food Mix - Haith's

    Original Wild Bird Food

    Our Original Wild Bird Food is a dependable, no-nonsense seed mix perfect for daily feeding. Enjoyed by the UK's garden bird for decades.

    Shop here 
  • Songster Food - Haith's

    Songster Food

    It is a nutritious treat for any ground-feeding bird and is now more nutritionally wholesome than ever before.

    Songster Food is one of Haith’s original bird food mixes, formulated in the 1960s and created for ground-feeding birds.

    Shop here 
  • Cheap 'n' cheerful - Budget - Friendly Wild Bird Food - Haith's

    Cheap 'n' Cheerful

    Our budget bird food might be cheap but it's still handcrafted by Haith's and is SuperClean. It's healthy, natural and fresh.

    Shop here 

We’re proud to support local growers like this one - and we hope next time you scatter some seed in your garden or feed your beloved pet bird, you’ll think of the story behind it.

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2 comments

One thing for sure is that with all the years experience that Haiths have gained you can guarantee a first class product to feed your birds, I have been using their products from way back in the 60’s

Barry Merrison

So interesting to read about this farmer and his passion for his land and crops, and the fact that it really is a short field-to-feeder journey for his produce. Environmentally-friendly farming is good for everyone and everything. Farmers and their livelihoods are under such threat that they need all the help and appreciation they can get – this long-time Haiths buyer is very grateful for the fact that Haiths feeds are ‘keeping it in the family’ so to speak.

Sue Scrase

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