Ross Thomson

The Farmer

Ross’ family began farming at Smallacombe 35 years ago. Ross now lives at the farm and runs a shearing contracting business as well as managing the chickens with his partner. Ross has a real passion for regeneration of the land and using what the earth and soil has to offer naturally, having spent a number of years shearing sheep in the mountains of Norway, hilly grasslands of New Zealand and all over the UK. During his travels, he has seen many different farming systems, which use their natural geography to their advantage. He has taken a combination of the best of these ideas to maximise the potential of the natural environment here in Devon.

The Farm

Smallacombe is nestled at the apex of a picturesque valley on the Devon coast. The farm prioritises welfare and sustainability. The family’s innovation has made the farm a haven for free ranging, organic chickens, to take advantage of the temperate climate and allow them to forage and scratch around a big area. Water from a natural spring, solar panels and a biomass boiler make the farm mostly off grid, and the chicken manure is recycled in to organic compost, making the farm a regenerative enterprise. It is a member of the soil association, which upholds some of the highest organic standards in the world.

The Chickens

Hubbards are a slow growing, sturdy breed. Their inquisitive nature makes them perfectly suited to ranging the farm, foraging for nutrient rich, natural food and this active lifestyle gives the meat a distinctive texture and taste. Their diet is supplemented with an organic, non-GM feed. They are reared on the farm from the day of hatch so every aspect of their care can be managed in line with the ecologically balanced principles of the farm.

The Abattoir

Poultry delivered through the Grutto platform is processed by Ross Gardner at Otter Valley Poultry. Animal welfare and exceptional quality are the mainstays of the business. You will find Otter Valley Poultry nestled on the banks of the river Otter in the Blackdown Hills AONB of East Devon, where their family business has produced the finest quality free range and organic poultry for over 40 years. Ross heads up a network of like minded farmers and growers like Ross Thomson all whom are organic farms across Devon, they work together to produce the finest organic chicken, turkey, geese, duck and Guinea Fowl in the entire country. We are justly proud of the excellent quality, texture and taste of our produce and we are 100% sure you will enjoy it too.