Debbie and Andy Eastwood moved to Yerbeston Gate Farm two years ago. Debbie was nursing Sophie, who was only six-months-old and also coping with Ben, who had just turned two. Taking on a business with a young family was bound to be hard work. Luckily, there was plenty of adrenaline to fuel the first year's transition period. There was a great deal of help from the neighbours, previous owners Ray and Chris Hughes and the local farmers whose advice has proved invaluable.

There's a fresh new team at the farm shop, with Debbie and Andy now sharing the time with two new experienced recruits, Sam and Ieuan, who are very willing and enthusiastic about the business. There is still an opening for a part-time counter assistant to help maintain the good customer service.

There has been tremendous success, as Andy and Debbie attained the prestigious Gold Producer Award at the Wales - The True Taste Awards 2005/ 6 for their succulent Dry Aged Welsh Black Beef. It was a time intensive process. The Wales the True Taste competition entry forms had to be submitted at the end of June. The products had to be dispatched in July for tasting, with cooking instructions! There were 500 products in 2005 from over 200 competitors. The products were then tasted at the Millennium Stadium by a range of judges from across the industry.

There was then a shortlist of 90 companies who went through to the next round of business assessment. This involved writing and submitting product information leaflets, business development plans for both farm and farm shop. A telephone interview followed, with one of the judges, which lasted well over an hour early one morning in September. The range of topics covered marketing methods, future plans, product development, pricing policy - it was a serious and thorough, but relaxed interview.

The award has given the farm shop free publicity, with advertisements in the national press, coverage in the Mail on Sunday, the May issues of BBC Good Food and BBC Olive Magazine and the June editions of Delicious and Easy Living.

Sales by mail order are a developing part of the business - a website is being developed with Opportunity Wales - http://www.farmshopfood.co.uk">www.farmshopfood.co.uk which will eventually allow on-line orders. Orders are currently placed by 'phone and then dispatched in insulated cartons for overnight delivery with the help of a local and national courier service. 

There are more catering customers switching to Yerbeston Gate Farm for their vacuum-packed portion control meats as the reputation for quality produce and service grows, with deliveries being arranged in different areas of the county on set days.

The farm has over 120 local independent suppliers providing a broad range of local produce and services. Andy and Debbie are very keen to support the local economy and minimise the impact on the environment by reducing the food miles wherever possible. 

The range of produce has grown tremendously with the installation of new refrigeration counters, and the granting of an off-licence. There is now a good selection of local bottle conditioned beers, wines, meads and liqueurs; there is a large selection of local cheeses, cooked meats, ice creams, chocolates and dairy produce, in addition to the excellent local meat, fruit and vegetables in season.

The farm sources its Welsh Black cattle direct from pedigree breeders in West Wales; they are reared slowly to 28/29 months on a natural diet of mixed pasture of meadow grass on the farm and in winter on silage cut from our rye grass fields. The extensive methods of rearing and grazing and the dry aging process helps to develop the wonderful marbling, flavour and health benefits associated with eating beef raised on a natural grass diet. 

"Life in Pembrokeshire is very enjoyable, we have had a great welcome from local people and we only wish we could spend more time getting involved in community activities. However, the administrative burden of running a farm and retail operation is much greater than anticipated," said Andy. "This should hopefully reduce as the business settles down and the children begin full-time school. Ben is very enthusiastic about St. Oswald's School, which he attends every morning and a few afternoons; Sophie also attends the playgroup a few afternoons. They have both made many friends, and 19 of them attended Ben's birthday party at home during the February half-term - can you imagine the fun and chaos with all the party games and party food."

Andy and Debbie would like to thank everyone for their support during their first two years, and as fledgling business owners they would appreciate some feedback on their service or products and would be glad of any leads to help bring new or previous customers to use their shop. Please do not hesitate to ring Andy or Debbie on (01834) 891637.