Siblings win award for JollyGoose enterprise

Posted 18 November 2010

Harper graduate Will Weaver and his sister Lucy have been presented with an award in recognition of their JollyGoose venture.

The siblings from Frampton Cotterell, Gloucestershire, received the John Adlard Memorial Award which includes a donation of goslings and specialist support through the first year. This is given annually to encourage new producers and to commemorate the British Goose Producers founder chairman, John Adlard.

20-year-old Lucy, who is currently on her placement year from Harper Adams studying Rural Enterprise and Land Management (REALM), and Will, who graduated in September from the same course, introduced 30 geese to their 500-acre mixed family farm earlier this year.

They have since launched a Christmas campaign where people can order one of their specially raised geese ready for the festive period.

Will, aged 22, said: “Our geese graze fresh grass throughout the day, only being housed at night for safety with fresh water, hay to peck at and clean straw for bedding. This ensures that the geese are reared with as little stress as possible, in a natural environment.

“Their grass diet is supplemented with some home-grown barley as we aim to produce a relatively slow matured goose, with tender, tasty meat ready for Christmas.”

With orders coming in thick and fast via their blog and Facebook page, there are only a few birds left prior to Christmas. They have also been making regular appearances at Farmers Markets in and around Bristol and have been approached by their local radio station.

Will, who came up with the idea after wanting to compete with the Christmas turkey trade, added: “After finishing Harper Adams, I returned home wondering what enterprise I could bring to the family and inspiration hit me – what better way to spend my time than nurturing and rearing some delightful goslings?

“Although they soon turned out to be a handful, honking the farm down!”

To see Lucy and Will’s blog, visit www.jollygoose.blogspot.com