Meet Ian Turner, Head of Farms

Ian Turner has been working as Farms Manager at Chatsworth for 22 years. He's responsible for all farming activities on the in-hand farms surrounding Chatsworth House.

Ian Turner with a herd of Limousin cows on Dunsa Farm

It's the variety of the role that comes from working under the influence of the ever-changing seasons that appeals to Ian. With the seasons, daylight, and weather dictating the necessary work, there are times of the year that bring new challenges and enjoyment. Ian describes the exciting times of calving and lambing as "Christmas coming every day", as he looks forward to new arrivals on the farms.

He also enjoys the satisfaction of sending animals to market which bring in a good price, and this business sense is important to Ian's views on farming.

"It's vital to generate enough income for owners of farms to pay staff a sustainable income, and in turn enable them to provide livestock with a happy and as stress-free life as possible."

There are two major farms on the estate:Dunsa Farm, the main beef farm and mule ewes in Edensor producing quality lamb; and Park Gate/Park Farm at Chatsworth, concentrating on young stock rearing and hill sheep.

After studying an HND in Agricultural Sciences followed by an Advanced Farm Management Diploma, Ian started work as an Assistant Farm Manager in 1976 on an estate in Kent. He came to Chatsworth in 1980, and has seen many changes over the last 20 - 25 years:

"The welfare of animals has improved a great deal. Back in 1980 the typical farming system was to out-winter cattle, and their basic ration was hay. That ration is now silage, and all cattle are now housed in winter.

"We even have sheep-houses so that lambing can take place in a better environment, resulting in better husbandry, and improving general animal welfare."

Ian enjoys his working location, at the heart of the Chatsworth farms. The geography and topography of the surrounding countryside appeals to him, and he admires the dramatic and picturesque landscapes of rock, trees and grassland that Derbyshire is so famous for.