Young Farmers Revive Cattle Farming on 80-Acre Shropshire Farm

Sam Bourne, 31, and Tash Koop, 27, have embarked on their first farming venture by purchasing an 80-acre farm near Whitchurch, Shropshire. The couple moved to Ruscoe Farm at the end of January 2026 and have since reintroduced cattle, an activity not undertaken on the farm since 2004.

Both Bourne and Koop have backgrounds in farming, but their original path into the industry was disrupted when Bourne's family farm was sold. Determined to continue their agricultural pursuits, the couple saw potential in Ruscoe Farm due to its existing infrastructure and strategic location.

Upon acquiring the farm, they began by upgrading old cattle sheds and reintroducing cattle, aiming to establish a 200-head beef enterprise. Their current herd comprises Hereford and Aberdeen Angus crosses, along with British Blue calves. The couple plans to adopt a low-input grazing system for the Herefords and Angus, while the British Blues will be maintained on a more intensive system to ensure steady cash flow.

In their efforts to improve the farm, they have conducted soil testing across the paddocks and upgraded the farmhouse's Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating to comply with loan conditions. Future plans include replacing an old wooden shed with a modern structure later this year.

Before purchasing the farm, Bourne and Koop developed a three-year business plan with the help of advisers, which they presented to potential lenders. They successfully secured financing from Lloyds. Danial Helsby, an agricultural relationship manager at Lloyds, emphasized the importance of supporting new farmers, stating that first-time buyers like Bourne and Koop represent the future of British farming.

The couple has already made significant progress in enhancing the farm's operations and infrastructure, and they remain committed to their vision of developing a sustainable and profitable farming enterprise.