Highweek Farm

From Family Tenancy to Award-Winning Dairy Farm

When Mike and Caroline Hawking took on the tenancy of Highweek Farm in West Devon in 2017, it was more than land – they inherited a legacy of family farming stretching back generations. What they have built since is a story of ambition, investment, and an unrelenting attention to detail that has seen the farm become one of the most recognised dairy operations in the South West.

Taking the Leap

Mike and Caroline were third generation tenant farmers, and farming is very much in the family’s blood. In 2021, the opportunity arose to purchase the dairy holding outright – a milestone that gave them both the security and the confidence to think bigger. What followed was a series of sustained investment that has transformed every aspect of the operation.

Today, Highweek Farm runs over 200 cows across 230 acres in West Devon, with an autumn calving system producing just over 10,000 litres per cow. It is, by any measure, a high-performing dairy unit, but what sets it apart is not just the numbers, it is the thinking behind them.

Mike and Caroline comment:

"Farming is full of decisions that need to be right first time. Having Simpkins Edwards alongside us - people who know our business and understand where we're heading - means we can make those decisions with confidence."

Investing in Excellence

Mike and Caroline have left no stone unturned in improving the farm’s performance and animal welfare. From the introduction of rumination collars and improved calf housing, to the installation of solar panels, additional fans and thicker mattresses – every decision has been made with care and purpose.

Most recently, a 1.2-million-gallon concrete covered slurry store, complete with a separator that removes water from the slurry, has been installed. The separated solids are then used as a green bedding for cubicles – a smart, rounded solution that reflects the farm’s commitment to both efficiency and sustainability.

At the heart of all of this is grassland management. Mike manages around 100 acres for silage production. Approaching this with characteristic precision results in quality product at above industry averages, reflecting the high bar the family set for their farming operations across the board.

Award Winning Results

The farm’s track record in competition is remarkable. Since 2023, Mike and Caroline have accumulated a string of regional and national accolades that reflect the dedication they bring to their farming:

• 2023: Runner-Up, Bude Grassland Society Competition

• 2024: Winners, Cornwall Grassland Society Cup; 1st, Bude Grassland Society Competition

• 2025: 1st, Cornwall Grassland Society Competition; 1st, South West Regional Grassland Competition; Runner-Up, National British Grassland Society Competition; Winner, Bude Grassland Society Cup

• 2026: Winner, Bude Grassland Society Cup; 1st, Cornwall Grassland Society Competition

That near-miss at national level is worth celebrating in its own right. The judges commented that in all their years of running the competition, the 2025 category was the hardest and closest they had ever had to call – the Hawkings missed out on the top prize by just half a point.

A Family Business, Looking Forward

Despite everything they have achieved, Mike and Caroline have remained grounded. They run a simple, effective system and they are not afraid to be disciplined about where they focus their efforts. Their children are following in their footsteps, and the next generation is already learning the same habits of precision and care that have defined the farm’s rise.

Grassland management will remain central to their plans going forward, alongside continuing to improve animal welfare and the working environment for the people on the farm. It is the same philosophy that has guided every decision to date: invest wisely, manage carefully, and always be willing to do the hard work.

Supporting Highweek Farm

The team at Simpkins Edwards supports Mike and Caroline across a broad range of accountancy and tax services – annual accounts, tax planning, VAT returns and payroll – a full-service relationship built up over many years.

As a profitable farming business that continues to invest significantly in infrastructure, careful tax planning is an important part of the picture. The team advises on capital allowances to help Mike and Caroline make the most of their investment decisions and works with them each year on expected profit planning, pension contributions and other opportunities to manage their tax position effectively. It is a relationship built on continuity and trust, with a consistent team who know the business and the family behind it.

Partner, Jo Tope shares:

"Highweek Farm is a brilliant example of what can happen when a family has a clear vision and the discipline to see it through. It's a privilege to support them and we can't wait to see what comes next."

Highweek Farm is a business that has earned its success through hard work, smart thinking, and a genuine passion for farming.