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Situated between the Lake District National Park and the Eden Valley, Greystoke Castle Farm exemplifies the Peile family’s commitment to sustainable and diversified farming practices. John and Liz Peile, together with their children Jack, Tom, and Lucy, have successfully developed this 2,300-acre upland farm into a prosperous enterprise.  We are pleased to sponsor the NSA North Sheep show and support our clients with this amazing opportunity to showcase their hard work and achievements.

The Peile family’s association with Greystoke Castle Farm began in 2013 when they started as contract farmers, working alongside the Howard family.   Their commitment and success over eight years led to a significant milestone in 2022: securing a 20 year tenancy.  This opportunity allowed them to implement long term strategies and investments.

Greystoke Castle Farm operates a truly mixed farming system, carefully developed to balance productivity with sustainability.  The Peile’s manage a closed flock that includes 300 Swaledale ewes, which are crossed with Bluefaced Leicester tups to produce 600 North of England Mule ewes.  These, in turn, are put to Texel tups, forming a flock of 400 Texel ewes geared towards prime lamb production.  Impressively, the farm only purchases tups, maintaining a closed flock to support animal health and traceability.

Since 2022, the family  farm’s dairy enterprise has seen significant investment, including the installation of a new dairy unit that supports a 150 cow herd, with milk supplied to First Milk.  Alongside the dairy, they also run a successful beef operation with 120 Limousin and Simmental suckler cows.  These are crossed with Charolais and Limousin bulls, producing calves that are typically sold at around six months old.  A separate herd of 60 Luing cows also forms part of the beef enterprise, grazing outdoors all year round and producing both breeding heifers and store cattle for sale.

Across all areas of the farm, the Peile family are committed to environmental sustainability.  Their livestock enterprises operate within Entry Level and Higher Level Stewardship schemes, reflecting a clear focus on conservation and land management alongside food production.

The Peile family’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and community involvement has led to their selection as hosts for the NSA North Sheep 2025 event.   We are thrilled to sponsor the show and support our clients with such a fantastic show and opportunity for them to showcase their hard work.

Taking place on Wednesday 4 June 2025, the event will feature farm tours, seminars, and demonstrations, providing insights into the family’s diversified farming practices.

Michael Peile reflects on their commitment: “As both their accountant and a member of the family, I’ve seen first hand the incredible amount of dedication, determination and long hours that have gone into building what Greystoke Castle Farm is today.  They don’t shy away from a challenge, they’re always looking for ways to improve, diversify and do things the right way.  The NSA North Sheep Show will be a great platform to show this and help others learn from them.’

The Peile family’s journey reflects a blend of tradition and innovation.   Their diversified approach not only ensures economic viability but also positions them as leaders in sustainable farming practices.   As they prepare to host NSA North Sheep 2025, the Peile’s continue to inspire the farming community with their dedication and forward thinking approach and we wish them the best of luck for the day.