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Working with farmers, for farmers

The Farmer's Buying Group:
Woldmarsh team posing in the boardroom at headquarters. Four individuals stood up in front of two others who are sat down. All are smiling at the camera.

Who are we?

Woldmarsh is a not for profit farmers co-operative established over 60 years ago and based in Louth, Lincolnshire. We have over 1000 active farmer members within Lincolnshire, Yorkshire and the surrounding counties.

Our Board of Directors bring a breadth of skills, whether as practical farmers, bankers or policy experts.

Our Values are at the heart of who we are, they're not words on a page - they're the principles that drive us every day:

1. Members come first in everything that we do. Your success is our success and we are committed to supporting you at every turn.

2. Whatever your need, we're here to help, efficiently and reliably.

3. We're proactive in offering you choices, driving competition and adapting to your changing needs.

4. Professionalism you can trust and count on to deliver top-quality service with integrity and skill.

Join us to start benefitting today:

    Latest News

    3/6

    Log in to the Woldmarsh Member Portal to download the May issue of the Bulletin. Click here and go to the ‘Member Forms and Promotions’ button...

    Read Article
    20/9

    Dear Members,

    Further to the revised Control of Poisons and Explosives Precursors Regulations 2023, as of the 1st of October 2023, any member that wishes to purchase any form of Ammonium Nitrate fertiliser, including NPK blends, MUST have on record with us a form of...

    Read Article

    Upcoming Events

    13/10

    Around 250 top ploughmen and women from all over Great Britain will compete at the 73rd British National Ploughing Championships which will be held on the Thoresby Estate, near Newark, Nottinghamshire by kind permission of Thoresby Farming.  

    Two...

    See Event
    26/10

    Expert Articles

    Miscanthus myth-busters

    By Mark Coleman, Terravesta customer account manager

    Miscanthus is seeing increased interest from farmers looking to grow profits from less productive or flood-prone land. It's a perennial crop offering a long-term income and has huge demand from renewable energy...

    Erica sat at a desk facing the camera and smiling.
    Erica Goodley
    APA Agri Procurement Alliance
    The Agri Procurement Alliance (APA)

    Revolutionising Fertiliser Procurement

    In a groundbreaking move set to reshape the agricultural landscape, Woldmarsh, Fram Farmers, and the AF Group declared an unprecedented alliance in March 2023. This monumental collaboration heralded a visionary...

    Heather wearing a Woldmarsh-branded gilet and a long-sleeved stripy shirt. She is stood facing the camera and smiling.
    Heather Claridge
    Agrichem update sprayer
    Agchem Update

    Glyphosate was granted an extension to its current approval in Europe at the end of last year. The UK is still to grant an extension, but it is unlikely to be very different to Europe. Glyphosate 360 pricing since October has been stable at the £3.50/litre level with...

    James Allis
    James Allis
    Oil rape seed
    Your Seed Update

    Spring Broadacre Crops

    The availability of spring seed is extremely limited. Many suppliers are all ‘sold out subject to outturn’. This is due to many factors that have come together to result in the difficult position the industry finds itself in...

    Tom Watson smiling
    Tom Watson
    My electricity saving alone is around £2,000 a year. With the excellent service and range of farming inputs covered Woldmarsh offers the full package.
    Richard W, Lincolnshire
    I’m a very happy Woldmarsh member, it saves me a lot of time and effort, and everything happens efficiently.
    Mark K, Lincolnshire
    We purchase all our major inputs through the group. It’s our local one stop shop.
    Matthew G, Lincolnshire
    A breath of fresh air, staff are very friendly and knowledgeable and always ring back promptly.
    John A, Lincolnshire
    We joined Woldmarsh because they promised to reduce our inputs and it did; not only did it reduce costs, the service they offers reduces the time spent buying inputs and associated administration.
    Paul H, East Yorkshire 1
    Having been a member for over 25 years, I am fully satisfied and like the convenience of membership. I’ve never had any invoicing problems and always had excellent communication from the staff. Joining Woldmarsh is the best thing I ever did!
    Tim R, North East Lincolnshire
    Joining Woldmarsh is the best thing I’ve done. My electric bills have been cut in half and the staff are always helpful and friendly.
    Steve R, South Yorkshire
    Being a member of Woldmarsh allows us to get on with the job. It saves time getting quotes, the staff are very helpful and friendly, and one monthly statement simplifies accountancy.
    Mark D, South Yorkshire
    The chemical department are fantastic with their benefits and systems being extremely competitive.
    Roger D, Lincolnshire
    The most helpful staff, pleasant, go out of their way to help you. Make you feel comfortable talking to them.
    Michael C, North Yorkshire
    Man with two children looking at cows in a field
    James Allis
    Your "one-stop" shop eliminates the need for you to spend valuable time contacting multiple companies for prices and information.

    Our Process

    Your Benefits

    Olivia is sat at a desk wearing spectacles. smiling and facing the camera. A computer monitor is in the foreground.
    Jessica Brown sat at desk smiling
    Our qualified and experienced team can provide you with valuable market insights and, because we are working on your behalf, we'll tell you if we don't think it's a good time to buy!

    Our highly-experienced and dedicated team

    Heather wearing a Woldmarsh-branded gilet and a long-sleeved stripy shirt. She is stood facing the camera and smiling.

    Heather Claridge

    Chief Executive Officer

    I lead the strategic direction, decision-making, and overall management of Woldmarsh. My role is to drive growth , ensure we are delivering excellent service to Members, encourage training and personal development for the team.

    • Member of the Institute of Agricultural Management
    • Chartered Member of the Institute of Procurement & Supply
    • Member of the BASIS Professional Register for Agchem & Fertiliser
    • Fertiliser Director for the Agri Procurement Alliance
    • Managing Director of Woldlink Ltd (2014-2022)
    Hazel is sat at her desk in a leather-backed chair and smiling at the camera which is taken from behind two computer monitors.

    Hazel Copeland

    Chief Business Officer

      James Allis

      James Allis

      Crop & Animal Inputs Sector Head

      I am responsible for planning and delivering the correct inputs for the members' farming season, ensuring they can use Woldmarsh in a way that suits their business with good service and terms.

      • BASIS qualified
      • FACTS qualified
      • 25+ experience at Woldmarsh on crop inputs
      • Previous employment in the seed and chemical industry
      • Local farmer's son with understanding and empathy with practical agriculture
      Ben sat at a desk in an office wearing a shirt, spotty tie and blue jumper with a zipped top.

      Ben Cutsforth

      Fertiliser Manager

      I draw on my previous experience as a farm manager and connections in the farming community, to help me to work with our members to procure fertiliser, delivering quality, at a competitive price, as efficiently as possible aided by strong relationships with my suppliers.

      • 10+ years of agricultural experience
      • FACTS qualified
      • Specialist in fertilisers of all grades
      • Foundation BASIS qualified
      • Lead for the Woldmarsh Youth Engagement Project
      Tom Watson smiling

      Tom Watson

      Crop Inputs Specialist

      Having completed six years of studies within agriculture, I now help farmers with all aspects of crop production, and I have a passion for regenerative farming and the SFI mixes. I deal with order enquiries and queries.

      • BSc Hons Rural Enterprise and Land Management (Harper Adams)
      • Over six years practical arable farm experience
      • Knowledge within the SFI schemes
      • Level 3 Diploma in Agriculture from Bishop Burton College
      • Club Secretary at Louth Young Farmers
      Rachel Sykes sat smiling

      Rachel Sykes

      Livestock Co-ordinator

      I have worked for Woldmarsh for almost five years, having transferred from Woldlink. I now work within the crop & animal inputs team. I lead the Animal / Livestock business but work closely with the fertiliser, agchem and seed too.

      • Studying for AMTRA qualification
      • 3 years of customer service experience at Woldlink
      • Five years experience with Woldmarsh
      • Liaising with livestock, ag-chem, seed and fertiliser suppliers
      • I have my own small flock of sheep
      Debbie Carlin smiling

      Debbie Carlin

      Fuel & Utilities Sector Head

      I work with and oversee an astounding team of four. Together the products and services we procure contribute to an annual turnover through Woldmarsh of over £55million. I manage contracts and an extensive list of reliable suppliers, ensuring members continue to receive the best possible service from Woldmarsh.

      • Over 18 years of industry experience in utilities
      • Member of Vistage Emerging Leaders
      • Studied Management Development at Lincoln International Business School
      • Negotiating NPower renewal contracts for the past 15 years
      • Sector Head of the Utilities Department for the past four years
      Franchesca Billings headshot

      Francesca Billings

      Utilities Administrator

      I am involved in the administration and purchasing of contracts for electricity, mains gas, telecommunications and water for Woldmarsh members.

      • Over twenty years experience in the energy industry, fifteen of these within Woldmarsh
      • Comprehensive knowledge of electricity and mains gas industry
      • Background in accounts and insolvency in UK top 10 Accountancy firm
      • Health & Safety Team Member - NEBOSH qualified
      • Extensive experience in query resolution
      Tracy sat at her desk with a telephone to her right ear.

      Tracy Fenner

      Fuel & Utilities Administrator

      I work as part of a team speaking to our members and liaising with our suppliers to resolve queries for electricity, telecommunications, mains gas, water and labour. I also take and place fuel orders on behalf of members.

      • Over 20 years’ of customer service experience
      • Advanced Diploma in Business Administration with distinction
      • Assisting the Fuel team with orders when required
      • Woldmarsh Fire Marshal which I take very seriously
      • Woldmarsh First Aider
      Olivia is sat at a desk wearing spectacles. smiling and facing the camera. A computer monitor is in the foreground.

      Olivia Vine

      Fuel & Utilities Administrator

      I am the voice (and person) behind the phone taking your orders and arranging urgent run-outs. My skills do not stop here as in the background I assist the utilities team as and when required.

      • Working towards Business Administration Level 3
      • Newly appointed to Woldmarsh, I am enjoying the continuous training and gaining farming knowledge
      • Customer service experience developed in the hospitality industry
      • Eight years experience in hospitality, progressing to Supervisor
      Paul Massey sat at his desk

      Paul Massey

      Farm Business & Machinery Sector Head

      My role is to ensure the team provide a first-class, relevant, consistent procurement service for the benefit of members as well as supporting and developing relationships with suppliers. I enjoy putting into practice a variety of life and work experience skills gained.

      • Lincolnshire born and bred with a long family history in the corn and livestock feed market
      • Business Diploma with Distinction and 1st Class Honours
      • Early career in Agriculture Machine Finance
      • Former UK Agriculture Development Manager Bank of Scotland Group based in Cheshire.
      • 12 years experience with Woldmarsh
      Ian Smith smiling

      Ian Smith

      Farm Business, Machinery & Sundries Trading Assistant

      I regularly liaise with approximately 300 sundries suppliers to achieve the best possible prices and levels of service for our members. Understanding our members' requirements to find a solution and liaising to ensure they receive products on time.

      • Over 35 years of supply chain experience
      • Previous experience in general customer service & handling complaints and invoice queries.
      • HND in Agricultural Studies, Science & Business Management
      • Strong supplier relationships within the building trade, with aggregate suppliers & machinery dealers
      • Extensive experience of logistics and transport
      Joe Frisby

      Joe Frisby

      Farm Business & Machinery Trading Assistant

      I cover a wide range of areas including Red Tractor Scheme memberships as well as dealing with member enquiries on varied product areas covering the machinery and sundries department.

      • Studied engineering at college
      • Studying for Level 3 CIPS
      • Strong supplier relationships within the machinery, parts and sundries department
      • Experience liaising with a range of suppliers to obtain quotes for members
      • Woldmarsh First Aider
      Erica sat at a desk facing the camera and smiling.

      Erica Goodley

      Sector Head – Communications and Marketing

      I am passionate about helping people and providing excellent Customer Service. I am now responsible for heading up Marketing and Events to ensure our Woldmarsh members are represented both in-person and online.

      • 10+ Years of Business Development experience
      • Varied Sales & Marketing Career in a variety of Sectors
      • Nicknamed 'Miss Efficient' for my knack of getting things done promptly and effectively
      • Successfully created growth by forming valuable partnerships and nurturing client connections
      Ian Dawson smiling

      Ian Dawson

      Membership Services Manager

      My main role is to visit and sign-up new members for Woldmarsh, as well as help existing members maximise the benefits available to them. I regularly attend shows and events to attract new prospects, and also visit existing members to carry out spend reviews and make sure that they are getting the best value out of their memberships.

      • 47 years agricultural experience
      • OND in Agriculture
      • BASIS Certificate in Crop Protection
      • PA1 and PA2 Sprayer Operator’s Certificates
      • NRoSO Member
      Jessica Brown sat at desk smiling

      Jessica Brown

      Membership Services and Marketing Co-ordinator

      Having spent five years with Woldmarsh, I have experience across all departments having being part of the Crop Inputs and Accounts Team. I am thrilled to have moved to join the Membership Services Team and look forward to being of service to our members.

      • Reviewing & capturing member invoices, employing great attention to detail
      • Three years Customer Service experience at Woldlink
      • Communicating with Woldmarsh members and suppliers
      • Mrs Christmas – official Woldmarsh social secretary
      Helena Holmes

      Helena Holmes

      Member Accounts & Facilities Sector Head

      I oversee the day-to-day running of the accounts team, balancing the sales and purchase ledgers to reconcile the Woldmarsh monthly accounts. I also support members and suppliers with any account enquiries and manage the office and building facilities.

      • AAT Level 3 Qualified
      • Over 25 years’ experience in the industry
      • Woldmarsh Company Secretary
      • Previous experience at a local accountancy firm
      • The longest serving Woldmarsh employee
      Sarah, wearing spectacles and smiling, sat at a desk turning to face the camera.

      Sarah Wood

      Finance Assistant

      • AAT Level 3 qualified and studying for Level 4
      • BA Accounting & Finance
      • Experience within the poultry industry
      • A passion for numbers
      Lynne Woodthorpe smiling

      Lynne Woodthorpe

      Accounts Assistant

      My role involves capturing invoices and placing them onto members' accounts as well as dealing with supplier and member queries.

      • Over 14 years experience in the Woldmarsh accounts department
      • Reviewing and capturing member invoices, employing great attention to detail
      • Using my communication skills when liaising with members and suppliers
      Louise is sat at her office desk with spectacles balanced on her head. The photo is slightly angled with a computer monitor in the foreground.

      Louise Jeffrey

      Accounts Administrator

      I am proud to work as part of the dedicated accounts team, processing invoices, checking statements, and helping members with enquiries. This position enables me to utlise and strengthen my customer service skills as well as to learn new ones and develop myself further.

      • Customer service skills working within the retail industry for 30 years
      • Reviewing and capturing member invoices, employing great attention to detail
      • Using my communication skills when liaising with members and suppliers
      • This is my first role in finance, and I am enjoying learning new skills
      Heather wearing a Woldmarsh-branded gilet and a long-sleeved stripy shirt. She is stood facing the camera and smiling.
      Jessica Brown sat at desk smiling
      Our team receives ongoing training, qualifications, and personal development opportunities to ensure that our service to you is of the highest standard. Sharing a passion for UK agriculture, we take great pride in supporting the farming community.

      We’re here for you, whatever your farming enterprise.

      Charles Dobson talking to the camera
      Charles Dobson

      Charles Dobson

      Charles’s grandfather moved from the fishing industry to farming in the 1930s when he bought what was at the time land farmed by tenants. As tenants moved out he started to buy more land and run the farm himself.
      As the third generation owner, Charles runs a 2960-acre predominantly arable farm, including 840 acres of grassland, 50 Lincolnshire Reds, and 200 cows.

      The business encompasses a farm shop, a caravan site, caravan storage facilities, and a respected green waste operation.

      7 people are employed, with daughter Amy actively managing the shop and the Lincolnshire Red herd.
      Ian Scaman stood talking to the camera
      Ian Scaman

      Ian Scaman

      The first generations of Scaman’s, Sam and Anne moved into Galley Hill Farm in the early 60s, diversified into PYO soft fruit in 1979, and expanded into PYO Orchards in 1987. In 1995 the caravan site was opened. Since then, son Ian and his wife Sandra have taken over the reins and run this thriving family business, which now includes glamping pods, livestock, liveries, and more.
      Granddaughters Emily and Molly are the third generation of the family to live at Galley Hill.


      Each year Galley Hill Farm hosts an annual Strawberry Fayre at the beginning of July raising money for the Lincolnshire Marie Curie hospice charity.
      Tom Platt talking to the camera
      Tom Platt

      Tom Platt

      Tom runs his 2000-acre farm with support from a good team of 6 employees and his dad William, who still does the spraying.
      It is a mixed farming enterprise growing cereals, peas, and potatoes with 150 head of cattle.

      Tom wanted to expand the potato side of the business. Hence, he diversified into making crisps and has successfully grown the Listers brand into a seperate business with a team of 6 managed by Amy Stone, who has been involved since inception. Laura Platt continues the family participation by guiding the Listers operation with Tom and developing all sales.


      As well as crisps there is a potato bagging line to accommodate the chipping market.
      Corn iconcow iconCorn and cow iconShop open icon
      Two men shaking hands

      How We Help You

      Ever wondered how many precious hours you're losing sourcing farm inputs?

      Wished to slash your admin time and streamline your paperwork?

      Wanted access to new suppliers without the faff of opening more accounts?

      Keen on impartial advice that truly prioritises your interests?

      Of course, getting great deals is important, but many of our members truly value the other benefits membership brings to their business.

      • Expertise
      • Impartiality
      • Access to new suppliers
      • Excellent service
      • Support with queries
      • One monthly statement
      • Impartial Advice
      • Convenience
      • Expertise
      • Impartiality
      • Access to new suppliers
      • Excellent service
      • Support with queries
      • One monthly statement
      • Impartial Advice
      • Convenience
      Erica sat at a desk facing the camera and smiling.
      Ask us anything. One of the team will get back to you as quickly as we can.

      Ask us a question

        Our Specialist Services

        Franchesca Billings headshot
        We'd love to hear from you.

        The Farmer's Buying Group

        Working with farmers, for farmers.
        We pride ourselves on going that extra distance for members. Our team are friendly, reliable, professional and really do have the membership at heart.
        Olivia is sat at a desk wearing spectacles. smiling and facing the camera. A computer monitor is in the foreground.

        We are passionate about service

        If you’ve got any questions about our processes, services, or support, or want to provide us with some feedback, we would love to hear from you.

          FAQs

          Interested in membership with Woldmarsh? Read below for our most frequently asked questions.
          I'm interested in joining - what do I do next?

          Our professional and friendly team in Membership Services would love to talk to you.

          Simply fill in the online contact form , or call 01507 602396, option 4 / email membership@woldmarsh.com to take the first step in becoming a member.

          We'll then discuss what you're looking for and how we can help you.

          How long does the application process take?

          Once we have been to see you and submitted your application then the process is quite speedy.

          What do I need to provide?

          At the enquiry stage we simply need to know a little bit about you and our team will then be in touch.  If you choose to go ahead, you'll need to send our external accountants 2 years of audited accounts (we don't see these).

          Who will see my accounts?

          The only people who see these are our external accountants.

          Can I speak to an existing member?

          Of course, we have several regional Ambassadors who would be delighted to share their experience with you.  Alternatively, we have many other members, who would be happy to help.

          Do I have to buy everything I need through Woldmarsh?

          No, there is no upfront commitment to purchase when you choose to work with Woldmarsh. The higher the spend through your account, the lower the levy rate you are charged, the cost of being a member is therefore based on your turnover through the group.

          Can you offer payment terms?

          Working with a multitude of suppliers means we are often able to work collaboratively with them to offer payment options to members. If you are looking to manage your input payments, just ask. Our friendly team of experts is always here to help.

          Do you offer rebates on machinery and equipment?

          Of course. We have schemes in place with a number of suppliers who offer rebates to Woldmarsh members, with all rebates returned directly to you.

          What geographical area do you cover?

          We have members throughout the UK, although predominantly based in the east of England. Our office is based in Louth, Lincolnshire and from here we service all our members.

          How much does it cost to join?

          There is a one-off joining fee of £250 + VAT and thereafter a minimum quarterly charge for the extensive service we offer which is outlined in our membership pack. This is, on average less than 1% of a member’s annual spend.

          Do members have responsibility for each others' bad debts?

          No. All our members contribute to the Woldmarsh Contingency Fund (£8/month for the first five years of membership, reducing to £4/month thereafter), in the event of a bad debt this fund would be used.

          How do I buy products and services through Woldmarsh?

          There are many ways you can buy products and services through Woldmarsh.

          • You can speak to a supplier directly and ask for an invoice to be booked to your Woldmarsh account.
          • Ask the office to arrange quotes for a product or service, you confirm which one you would like to proceed with and we place the order with the supplier.
          • Ask your agronomist to liaise directly with our Crop Inputs team and order chemicals, seed and fertiliser on your behalf.

          Our specialist teams will review product quality, supply availability and price to get the right deal for you. Every time.