At Walter Rose & Son, we believe that great butchery begins with great farming. That’s why we’re proud to source our beef from Tim Johnson and his family at Stokes Marsh Farm in Coulston, Wiltshire. Nestled at the foot of Salisbury Plain, this beautiful farm is home to cattle that are free to roam the lush green fields all year round

A Natural Diet, Year-Round

The cattle enjoy a simple, wholesome diet. For most of the year, they graze on fresh grass, while in the winter months their diet is topped up with silage (fermented grass). As an occasional treat, they also receive a small amount of brewers’ grain—a by-product of brewing beer—sourced from Butcombe Brewery.

Because their diet remains consistent throughout the year, the beef produced is natural, flavoursome, and consistent in quality, season after season.

Why Heifers, Why Angus?

At Stokes Marsh, only heifers—females that haven’t calved—are selected. Heifers are known for their superior eating quality and consistency in size, ensuring every cut we provide meets the high standards our customers expect.

The cattle are Aberdeen Angus, a native breed that has stood the test of time thanks to its excellent flavour, tenderness, and reliability.

Low Food Miles, High Welfare

One of the unique advantages of working with Stokes Marsh Farm is proximity. From farm to abattoir to butcher, the entire journey is less than 10 miles. Not only does this mean minimal food miles, but it also ensures the cattle remain calm and unstressed. This is crucial not only from a welfare perspective but also for guaranteeing the very best eating quality.

Sustainability at Its Core

Beef farming has faced criticism in recent years, but Stokes Marsh Farm is a shining example of how cattle farming can be sustainable, economical, and forward-thinking.

• Natural living: The cattle graze in open fields and drink spring water from the farm’s own stream.
• Closed-loop farming: Waste from the barns goes into a bio-digester, which captures methane gas. This methane is then used to power a generator, producing electricity for thousands of local homes and businesses, including the farm itself.
• Natural fertiliser: The by-product of the bio-digester is nutrient-rich fertiliser, spread over the fields to enrich the soil—without the need for chemical alternatives.
• Renewable energy: Land unsuitable for livestock or crops is used to host a solar farm, supplying additional clean energy to the grid.

Aside from a small amount of diesel for tractors, the farm is virtually off the grid.

Looking Ahead: Carbon Negative Beef

Excitingly, Stokes Marsh Farm is currently being audited with the goal of being certified Carbon Negative—a remarkable achievement in today’s climate, and a powerful testament to their commitment to sustainable farming.

A Partnership We’re Proud Of

At Walter Rose & Son, we take pride in offering beef that not only tastes exceptional but is also produced with care for the land, the animals, and the future. Our partnership with Tim Johnson and Stokes Marsh Farm ensures that every cut of beef we prepare tells a story of quality, sustainability, and integrity.