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York's largest local farmer

Championing sustainable farming and embracing forward-thinking innovation

ABOUT US

A Legacy Through the Generations

Since 1847, the Hobson family has farmed the land at Crockey Hill on the outskirts of York. Over the generations, the farm has continuously evolved, embracing new crops, livestock, and the latest innovations in agricultural technology.

Rodger Hobson became part of the family business in 1990, building on his father’s extensive knowledge of carrot growing. Committed to excellence, Rodger has continuously advanced the farm’s approach—enhancing each stage of production through thoughtful seed selection, sustainable farming practices, and the integration of innovative technology.

what we do

Our History

1847

Hobson Family started farming in Crockey Hill

1920 to 1950

Further expanded by Richard and Thomas Hobson growing potatoes and supplying their own wholesale market in West Yorkshire 

1990

Carrots became the main focus, originally supplying the frozen vegetables industry

1997

The family farms restructured to allow Rodger and Vicky Hobson to farm independently as Hobson Farming Ltd

1998 to 2000

Our target market changed to fresh prepared foods and therefore to all year round production utilising early poly and late straw techniques

2000

Started contract farming with Escrick Park Estate

2016

Acquired first Grimme Varitron 270 carrot harvester used in the UK to improve quality of harvesting

2016 to 2017

Started contract farming in the Malton area with Scampston and Wintringham Estates

Today

Hobson Farming Ltd is the leading supplier of carrots to the prepared foods market in the UK

Proud trustees of land in the heart of York’s stunning countryside

Just under five miles from the heart of York’s historic city centre, we farm over 6,000 acres, making us York’s largest local farmer. Our team is made up of people from both the local area and across the country with industry experience ranging from 1 to 55 years, all of whom now proudly call York and Hobson Farming home.

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Our customers, dedicated team, and the surrounding community are at the heart of everything we do. By serving each group with care, we champion sustainable farming, protect the environment, and embrace forward-thinking innovation—ensuring long-term success for all our stakeholders.

We are honored to include amongst our farming clients, renowned local estates like Escrick Park, Scampston Hall, and Wintringham to smaller contract farms of just a few hundred acres. Regardless of size, every partner receives the same high standard of service that defines Hobson Farming.

Hobson Farming Est. 1847

“The dedication and skill of our team enables us to negotiate the challenges of year-round food production.”

Andy Blunt - Farm Manager

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OUR BLOG

Recent news

Find out what’s happening on the farm, in the industry and for our community.

MEET: Andy Claydon – Responsible for Carrot Harvesting
Name Andy Claydon Job Role Arable Operator / Harvester Driver  - responsible for harvesting the carrots throughout the year.  When did you start at Hobson Farming? I came to work at Hobson farming full time in 1998, although…
BBC Radio 4 Farming Today – 27.10.25 – Overwintering Carrots
A BBC Radio 4 Farming Today interview with Rodger Hobson and the practice of covering fields of carrots with straw for overwintering.  Making the nation's favourite vegetable - the carrot - available all year.   Take a…
2025 Straw laying completed in ideal conditions
The final bales have now been spread at Hobson Farming putting 320 acres of carrots to bed for the winter months. Rodger has been undertaking this practice yearly since the late 1990s, when the demand…
Harper Adams Placement – Ben Wilkinson
Name: Ben Wilkinson Age: 20 Home Town/City: Thirsk nr York Course Details: BSc (Hons)Agriculture with Farm Business Management BSc (Hons) Agriculture with Farm Business Management (with placement) Degree | Undergraduate (Places available through Clearing)   Where did your interest in farming…