Cold pressed Rapeseed oil/Diversification Alan and Peter Robinson (uncle and nephew) were trying to find ways to diversify and apply their farming expertise when they were introduced to ‘extra virgin rapeseed oil’; they were impressed with the many health benefits and versatility of this UK product and a new use for one of the crops. Welland Valley Rapeseed Oil Within 7 months of hard work, trial and error, they had set up a new, cold pressing plant at Frisby Grange Farm and impressed the food hygiene agency, trading standards as well as the local farming and village community! The graphics on the bottle depict the Seaton Viaduct in the Welland Valley and gives the product a classic appearance which is appealing to the more discerning customer. The oil has been experimented with extensively in the farm house kitchen and applied to salads, cakes, Yorkshire puddings roast potatoes (and photographed) to name but a few. Even Mrs.Robinson (aged 83) swears by it for ‘the best Yorkshires she’d ever tasted’ and has dropped the lard. A smaller bottle is now being produced for more individual use and as a ‘taster’ introductory product.

History The Robinsons have farmed in and around the Welland Valley in Leicestershire for more than five generations. Presently there are three brothers farming nearly two thousand acres (majority tenanted) along with their sons. Each of the Robinson brothers lives on their own farmsteads farming together to pool their expertise and machinery. The farm is mixed, arable, dairy and livestock in an attempt to keep going in adverse seasons in any one area. Farming methods The farming methods are traditional and non intensive in order to produce the highest quality produce and livestock which are farm assured and crop assured. Arable crops grown are rapeseed, wheat, oats, barley and maize. In the 1930’s the Robinsons were one of the first if not the first farmer to grow rapeseed in this country. They were also one of the first ‘lucky’ enough to purchase a combine harvester from America, it even made the headlines! Dairy The dairy produces 3.5000 litres of milk per day for Tesco from a British Fresian herd. Cattle for beef is somewhere in the region of a 100 per year. Every calf is reared and suckled on the farm. Sheep Sheep production is the mainstay of Frisby Grange farm keeping some 1300 breeding mules cross texel ewes and supply Waitrose and Marks and Spencers. This particular cross of breed produce a leaner and succulent product highly sought after by the higher quality retailers.