The Mercer Family is proud of its history in British Agriculture. Mercer Farming is still predominantly a family business and there is a wealth of experience within the family.
Percy Mercer started farming at Manor Farm, Harlaston just after the First World War. He kept pedigree shorthorn dairy cows and pedigree large white pigs. There were 13 employees on just 230 acres, in an era when horses did the work. He won many awards at local and national shows for both his dairy cattle and pigs. In the Second World War he worked for the Ministry of Agriculture to help oversee agriculture in the area and try and encourage its potential during those difficult times.
His son Alec moved to Wychnor Bridges in 1952 to start farming in his own right. Here he also kept dairy cows and pedigree pigs. Milk production ceased in the early 60’s as expansion in pigs and arable demanded more time. Various farms were purchased in the area and production continued to increase. As well as the pedigree pigs there was a sheep flock and turkeys. Arable crops included potatoes, sugar beet, rye grass, wheat, barley, oats and peas. Alec continued with the pedigree pigs and the famous Harlaston Large White Herd gained many awards at shows and held 53 annual pig sales.
Roger left Harper Adams in 1974. in 1975 he took over the farm at Harlaston where Percy Mercer started, and continued over the next few years to expand the dairy cows and also got involved increasing with the arable production on the main farm. After his fathers untimely death in 1979 Roger took over the whole business. The farm concentrated on dairy, pigs, potatoes and grain. The business continued to expand steadily by purchasing and renting additional land.
Robert Mercer, the fourth generation, joined the business in 2002. He has always been interested in livestock and in 2003 launched Packington Free Range Pork, which he has continued to develop.
Contact Details
If you have any questions or would like to speak to a Mercer Farming representative, do not hesitate to contact us using these details.
- Tel:
- 01283 713 901
- Fax:
- 01283 716 750
- Email:
- mail@mercerfarming.com