Castlescreen wins recognition for ethical beef farming

Castlescreen Farm in Northern Ireland, a producer of a wide range of premium meat products, has been certified by the Pasture Fed Livestock Association (PFLA), the only Dexter farm to achieve this important certification.

PFLA champions the virtues of pastoral farming, providing a distinct identity for systems where animals eat only grass and forage crops their entire life. Food produced this way is much tastier and healthier for humans to eat than meat from animals fed grain.

Some meat and dairy in the UK is already sold as ‘Grass-Fed’. However, this term can be used to describe products from animals that, as well as grazing, have also eaten cereals, manufactured feeds, or by-products from food manufacturing.

Only meat and dairy displaying the Pasture Mark comes with a guarantee the animals have been fed a completely natural diet.

Only farms inspected and certified by the PFLA can guarantee that an animal has been fed a 100 percent pasture diet.

There are significant benefits for people, animals and the countryside, from eating food derived from pasture farming. Fields of just grass can provide all the nutritional components an animal needs. However, pastures which contain a variety of plant species, including herbs, wildflowers and clovers provide an even better diet – rich in essential vitamins and minerals drawn up from the soil below. They also support a diverse range of wildlife.

We are always working to produce ethical meat, farmed in a manner that honours natural systems and increases bio-diversity, having a positive impact on our soil and countryside. The PFLA certification recognises and honours these standards.

Castlescreen Farm is owned and run by Damien Tumelty and partner Jackie Gibson, regular participants at local farmers’ markets.

As well as a range of premium quality dexter beef products, Castlescreen has expanded to include other meats including pork, lamb and chicken, all readily available in the butchery now a central part of the recently opened farm shop. There’s also honey from hives on the farm.

Damien Tumelty and Jackie Gibson of Castlescreen Farm near Downpatrick