Award-winning pig farm diversifies with Kubota machinery

With an ever-increasing number of farmers choosing to diversify, one message that often gets lost in translation is the fact that diversification doesn’t necessarily mean abandoning all agricultural roots. Instead, it can be about spotting a gap in the market, recognising that you can fill it and modifying or even just expanding your business in order to do so. 

This is exactly what North Norfolk based pig farmer and owner of North Farm Livestock, Michael Baker decided to do. 

North Farm Livestock was founded in 1982 and initially operated as an indoor pig producer. The business moved to outdoor production in the 1990’s as part of a pioneering trail and a seen opportunity to expand their product offering. It subsequently expanded its outdoor breeding and finishing operations to become a key supplier of free-range Hampshire pig products to a major UK based supermarket.

Five years ago, Michael visited his local machinery dealership – NR Agri LTD; run by Neil Richardson - to try and find a machine that could best support his businesses growth.

He was impressed by Kubota’s reputation for producing comfortable, reliable machines, as well as the flexibility offered to purchase the machine on a 0% interest finance option. This made Kubota an easy choice. Since then, Michael and his team have continued to return to NR Agri LTD and have gone on to purchase no fewer than nine Kubota M-Series tractors.   

When asked about his priorities when it comes to machinery, Michael remarked: “One of the things we look out for is a reliable tractor with a good service dealer. It is important that if something breaks, the machine needs to be ready and working on the same day.”  

In most situations NR Agri Ltd conducts necessary repairs on the farm itself, having the relevant vans and equipment to do so. “The parts from Kubota have been very good – and covered with an excellent warranty,” commented Neil. “90% of the parts can be arranged overnight and we know what to stock to be prepared for most of the situations that arise. When there’s a more serious problem – Kubota is always ready and willing to jump in to get the customer out of the mud quickly,” he added.   

Michael was also impressed by the outside of the Kubota machines, claiming: “I still remember the day when I first visited the dealership – the Kubota MGX variant at the time had a sealed axle and this, for me, was one of the biggest selling points as I had had issues with this key component on some of our older equipment – water and grime gets into the bearings all too easily otherwise and then you’re set up for disaster.”  

Neil was quick to point out that Kubota’s Japanese heritage and engineering approach was a key aspect of this particular feature: “I’ve worked on tractors before that have had issues with the front axle because it wasn’t sealed. Because the machines have been designed in Japan, they are built to operating in difficult terrain conditions such as rice paddies.”  

Kubota’s extended warranty offering on select models and support for over 3,000 hours of service are just two more reasons to return and speak directly to the maintenance cost worries for many modern farmers. Neil concluded: “There’s comfort in knowing how much a machinery purchase is going to cost you.”

Over the years, North Farm Livestock has had many successes. As his business continues to grow, Michael is hoping to add new equipment to his line-up soon, and hopes to continue the partnership with NR Agri Ltd.