David and Steven McGuffie come from a long family farming tradition but run their asparagus business in a very modern way - entrepreneurial in style and at the cutting edge of scientific technology.
The McGuffie brothers currently grow 25 acres of asparagus on New Farm, Elmhurst, Lichfield in Staffordshire. The farm is 200 acres in size and grows predominately soft fruit.
Asparagus crops were started in 1985 as a complimentary crop to their strawberries, offering an opportunity to extend the harvesting season with a speciality crop. Sales were initially through the farm shop along with other independent outlets. Supplying multiples started in 2000 and since then they have been developing new growing techniques along with protected cropping systems to improve quality and presentation of the crop.
Packing facilities were extended in 2005 with a new dedicated asparagus pack house incorporating the latest technology in processing machinery and very soon they were contract-processing product for other growers for supermarket supply, which has rapidly grown.
In 2006 they developed a new technique for asparagus for early cropping by heating the soil. In 2007 they installed air source heat pumps to heat the crop and in 2008 they were awarded 'Grower of the Year' in the category of 'Science into Practice' for their asparagus heating project. This process allowed them to bring the start of the season forward by up to two months.
"By constantly reviewing our current systems and embracing new technology we are confident that we will continue to succeed. We want to achieve high levels of output of the very best quality. With diminishing margins we need to remain focused on costs, to ensure our operation is managed efficiently, " says David.
"Our success is not only measured in financial terms, but also in our efforts to be ambassadors for the environment. In 2004 we planted one hectare of native woodland species. We have enhanced our wildlife around the farm with areas of natural regeneration and more recently we are part of Sainsbury s operation Bumble Bee, an initiative aimed at increasing specific wildlife species by sowing selected grass mixtures to enhance their habitat."
David's favourite way of eating asparagus is simple - quickly cooked and enjoyed with melted butter.
