Suckler Herd and Arable Farm Oxfordshire

Moorfields were appointed to advise on a complex agricultural business in Oxfordshire, comprising:

An 800+ head suckler herd
A 3,000-acre farming operation
An associated meat processing and small haulage business

The group faced significant financial distress, including:

15 secured creditors collectively owed over £20 million
A disputed appointment arising from bridging finance arrangements
Severe cash flow constraints

Despite these challenges, Moorfields successfully secured funding to allow the business to continue trading on an equity basis while developing a longer-term realisation strategy.

Objectives

Stabilise and continue trading of the farming and processing operations
Maximise value from livestock, crops, and property assets
Manage complex operational and legal issues, including TB outbreaks and animal welfare
Protect and realise creditor recoveries efficiently
Develop a structured asset realisation strategy under challenging circumstances

Moorfields’ Actions

Continued trading the farming and processing businesses for six months to generate revenue from cattle and crops
Oversaw and completed the harvest to capture crop value
Conducted a non-consensual disposal sale of livestock stock directly from the farm
Managed the sale of all freehold properties and associated farmhouses
Identified and assessed mineral rights and planning opportunities to enhance asset value
Navigated operational challenges, including TB outbreaks, animal welfare concerns, and uncooperative directors
Secured and managed funding to enable trading during the Administration period

Results

The business assets were successfully realised, including livestock, crops, and property
Creditor positions were maximised, ensuring recoveries in a complex, multi-asset environment
Complex operational, legal, and regulatory issues were effectively addressed
The business was stabilised and managed professionally, safeguarding value throughout the process