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Yorkshire Herd

Full Traceability

Quality Since 2004

About us

About Yorkshire Dales Meat Company

our story

Tradition & Quality Since 2004

Yorkshire Dales Meat Company was founded in 2004, but the Knox family have over 100 years of farming history here on Mill Close Farm. Initially, Stephen Knox started selling meat at local markets during the downturn of the Foot and Mouth crisis.

Here, he realised the value in selling local products to local people, and subsequently the company began supplying local shops. Since 2004, the company has moved on to supplying some of the biggest hotels and restaurants in the Manchester, Newcastle, Hull, York and Leeds areas.

  • 1918 - Knox family moved to Mill Close Farm
  • 1920 - Peter Knox, James’ grandfather born at Mill Close Farm
  • 1990 - Ceased milk production and established a beef herd
  • 1999 - Began trading as Yorkshire Dales Beef, selling at local markets
  • 2003 - Won Yorkshire Independent Grocers Association Local Product of the Year
  • 2004 - Expanded with a 50,000 sq. ft. facility and became Yorkshire Dales Meat Company
  • 2007 - James Knox joins the business as Factory Manager
  • 2007 - Secured first supermarket deal
  • 2008 - Won Deliciously Yorkshire Prepared Meat Award
  • 2009 - Named Producer of the Year at the International Business Forum Awards
  • 2013 - First products supplied to Asda stores
  • 2015 - First products supplied to Co-op stores
  • 2016 - Acquired Ackroyds Restaurant Meats
  • 2018 - Began delivering into the North East of England
  • 2020 - Opened our on-site farm shop
  • 2022 - Launched our online platform
  • 2025 - We expanded our operations to include the production of burgers and co-packing for another leading food company. This allows us to bring our expertise to a wider audience whilst maintaining our commitment to quality and innovation.
Farm Fresh & Locally Sourced

Premium meats from trusted farms & suppliers —fresh, sustainable, and full of flavour.

Expertly Butchered with Care

Generations of skill ensure every cut is crafted to perfection, every time.

Trusted by Homes & Chefs

Loved for quality, consistency, and outstanding
 taste in every bite.

our team

Meet Our Experienced Team

We’re a family-run business with a team of dedicated people who care deeply about great food, exceptional service, and doing things the right way. From our butchers and farmers to our drivers and office staff, every person plays a part in delivering quality from farm to fork.

James
 Knox

Managing Director

James grew up at Mill Close Farm. He studied at Lancaster University then worked at a meat & seafood business. In 2007 he returned to Mill Close as a factory manager, and finally became Managing Director in 2015.

Stephen
 Knox

Company Founder

Stephen is a 3rd generation farmer. He started the company in 2004 and oversaw development before handing over the reins to his son James. Stephen has extensive experience with cattle, and has a keen eye for quality ensuring our customers receive fantastic products at an affordable price.

Louise
 Knox

Retail Manager

Louise is our Retail Manager, looking after the farm shop, website and trade customers. Passionate about showcasing local produce, she ensures every customer, whether shopping in person or online, enjoys the best of Yorkshire Dales quality and care.

Leahana Beattie

Factory Manager

Passionate and energetic, she leads the team with a perfect balance of fun and professionalism. With a keen eye for detail, she ensures every order meets our high standards while expertly managing stock.

work with us

Join a Team Built on Tradition and Quality!

Passionate about quality food and great service? We’re always looking for dedicated people to join our team. Explore career opportunities and grow with us.

Join Our Team
farm shop

The Heart of Yorkshire at Our Farm Shop

Yorkshire Dales House, Mill Close Farm, Hackforth, Bedale, DL8 1FN

Our farm shop isn’t just a place to shop, it’s a slice of our heritage.  Here you’ll find top-quality, freshly prepared meats from trusted local farms, expertly butchered on-site by people who truly know their craft.

Alongside our beef, lamb, and pork, we stock a range of local Yorkshire produce, from sauces and chutneys to fresh pies and pantry favourites.

Come along, have a chat, and enjoy the best of what our region has to offer, straight from our farm to your table.

learn more

Looking for premium, locally sourced meats for your business?

We supply restaurants, caterers, and retailers with expertly butchered cuts, delivered fresh and reliably.

environment

We Care About the Land That Sustains Us

As farmers and food producers, we understand the importance of protecting the land we work on. That’s why we’ve taken steps to ensure our processes are as sustainable as possible.

Our eco-credentials include:

  • Gravel from our own land used to build our cutting plant
  • Factory water sourced from an underground on-site borehole
  • Reed bed system to treat and purify wastewater
  • Recycling of all waste cardboard, glass and metal
  • 100kWp roof-mounted solar panel system, reducing carbon emissions by 28.9 tonnes a year
  • Planting of a 2.5-acre broadleaf woodland, enhancing biodiversity on our farm
  • Minimum tillage farming practices using cover cropping and rotational grazing techniques to integrate our angus cattle into mixed farming model

We believe great food should never come at the cost of the environment, and we’re committed to continuing to farm with care, for future generations.

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our blog

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Yorkshire Dales Meat is proudly Red Tractor Approved for Cattle & Arable Farming

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