Our People
James Blanchard
James Blanchard
James Blanchard
James started his farming career in 2013 after working for Strutt and Parker managing farms and estates. He studied and the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester and completed two degrees is Agriculture BSc and Rural Estate Management MSc. He has also completed the Worshipful Company of Farmer's Advanced Course in Agricultural Busines
James started his farming career in 2013 after working for Strutt and Parker managing farms and estates. He studied and the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester and completed two degrees is Agriculture BSc and Rural Estate Management MSc. He has also completed the Worshipful Company of Farmer's Advanced Course in Agricultural Business Management and the Institute of Agricultural Farm Management (IAgrM) Leadership Program. He has been a professional member of the Institute since 2019.
James oversees the management of the business including management accounts, project management, investment and creating opportunities. James is also on the steering group of the 'Ock Farmer Cluster' which was successful in securing a £750,000 Landscape Recovery Grant to deliver environmental services and Carbon Capture in the River Ock catchment which will provide income for farmers and landowners from both public and private sectors.
Ed Blanchard
James Blanchard
James Blanchard
Edward joined the family business after university. He studied Sport Science at Durham University and Agriculture at the Royal Agricultural University, Cirencester. Edward manages the arable side of the business, including arable contract farming. He also oversees all grain marketing (sales and purchasing). Operationally Edward is on t
Edward joined the family business after university. He studied Sport Science at Durham University and Agriculture at the Royal Agricultural University, Cirencester. Edward manages the arable side of the business, including arable contract farming. He also oversees all grain marketing (sales and purchasing). Operationally Edward is on the ground, in boots and driving round and the first point of contact for contract farming clients. His team of tractor drivers are hard at it but not adverse to passengers (contract farming clients or landlords) wanting to see their farm or the equipment!
Edward works closely with Ceres Rural (Charlie Ireland, George Badger and Philip Miles) who assist with agronomy, SFI and grant applications.
Giles Blanchard
James Blanchard
Giles Blanchard
Giles joined the business in 2020 after a career teaching Geography and was Director of Sport.
Giles heads up the livestock side of the business which includes outdoor breeding sows, rearing and finishing all pigs 'in house' which are largely destined for high end restaurants, London hotels, cruise ships, farm shops and butchers.
Giles
Giles joined the business in 2020 after a career teaching Geography and was Director of Sport.
Giles heads up the livestock side of the business which includes outdoor breeding sows, rearing and finishing all pigs 'in house' which are largely destined for high end restaurants, London hotels, cruise ships, farm shops and butchers.
Giles runs the feed mill which purchases grains, cereals, and straw from the arable enterprise in line with markets.
James Barnes
James Blanchard
Giles Blanchard
James spent twenty years working in a variety of management positions within the veterinary and pet insurance industries. After deciding to pursue his interest and curiosity for farming, James joined Blanchard Farms in December 2023. Using his commercial experience to help drive the growth plan for the business, James is responsible for
James spent twenty years working in a variety of management positions within the veterinary and pet insurance industries. After deciding to pursue his interest and curiosity for farming, James joined Blanchard Farms in December 2023. Using his commercial experience to help drive the growth plan for the business, James is responsible for finance, cashflow, management accounts, commercial & residential lettings, and the self-storage business.
James has lived locally for more than 25 years, only now without the daily London commute!