When well-known Isle of Wight farmers Sue and Paul Brownrigg retired, they left a big hole in the Christmas turkey market.

Now, Conor Moore has stepped up to fill the gap by producing high-quality birds for the festive table.

Conor returned to Isle of Wight shores after a spell managing farms and shepherding in the Cotswolds and Connemara, Ireland.

Three years ago, Conor and his partner Kate returned, settling straight back into shepherding for Andrew Hodgson (Cheverton Farm) and Paul Brownrigg (Rowridge).

 

Isle of Wight County Press: The refurbished Isle of Wight Farm Shop.The refurbished Isle of Wight Farm Shop. (Image: Isle of Wight Farm Shop.)

 

When the opportunity arose he jumped at the chance to take on the production of lamb for The Isle of Wight Meat Co.

This year Conor took on the production of Isle of Wight Turkeys, his latest exciting venture, being supported by Paul and Sue post retirement.

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Conor’s relationship with Andrew and Claudia Hodgson has meant The Isle of Wight Farm Shop and Isle of Wight Meat Co. are still championing local producers and remain the only suppliers of Island-produced turkeys.

With the opening of the Isle of Wight Grain Group’s new mill, Conor is able to feed using Island produced grain, ensuring his support for the local agricultural economy and committing to reducing his impact on the environment.

The turkeys will be on sale at the newly refurbished Isle of Wight Farm at Sandford.

The former Brownrigg’s store has had a complete overhaul with all new fittings and a new layout.

The butchery department is gearing up for the busy Christmas period with produce from the IW Meat Co.

Chris and The Isle of Wight Pie Co. team have developed a wide range of festive treats including turkey and ham pies and festive sausage rolls, filled with chestnuts, cranberries and sage.

A new wine partnership with Alistair Gibson’s Heritage Cellar is already proving to be popular, with a fantastic collection of old and new world wines.

There are a number of late-night shopping events in the run up to Christmas offering samples, recipe ideas and in-depth product knowledge.

These will include Briddlesford Farm Dairy, The Isle of Wight Cheese Co, Mermaid Gin, The Garlic Farm, Alistair Gibson, Calbourne Classics, Grace's Bakery, Isle of Wight Meat Co., Isle of Wight Pie Co., The Island Jam Company, The Isle of Wight Gin Co., The Isle of Wight Cocktail Co. and many more.

Events take place on Friday (December 9) and Tuesday December 13), 4pm to 8pm.

Andrew Hodgson said: “The team have made a fantastic job of the shop redesign and have lots of exciting plans to roll out over the coming months.

"Sue and Paul Brownrigg left some big boots to fill, both in terms of the shop operation and turkey production in the run up to Christmas, but we inherited an excellent team and Conor is doing a fantastic job rearing the turkeys.”