The husband and wife duo, Russell and Lucy Calder, alongside their young family, constitute the core of Kilduff Farm, an arable farm located in East Lothian. Their reputation extends from the widely acclaimed Pumpkin Festival to the provision of a superior visitor experience. Presently, they are successful hosts of Christmas and Spring Markets, which serve as platforms for showcasing the extraordinary local produce, producers, and craftspeople in the region. Demonstrating an inclination toward innovation and an unwavering enthusiasm for experimentation, the Kilduff team has diversified into crafting their own apple juice, rapeseed oil, bread flour, and honey, alongside cultivating seasonal cut flowers.
The Kilduff team consistently demonstrates fearlessness in challenging conventions and stepping beyond their comfort zone. Their proactive approach to embracing novel endeavors is underpinned by an ethos of continuous learning and improvement. The team's commitment involves active engagement with visitors, orchestration of exceptional events, and cultivation of premium-quality Scottish produce on the farm. In addition to their comprehensive arable production, the team has returned to fundamental principles of food production, dedicating substantial effort to facilitate the direct journey of high-quality produce from the farm to consumers. Be it pumpkins, apple juice, bread flour, honey, or cut flowers, the Kilduff team is steadfast in championing provenance.
Within a competitive market landscape, as other pumpkin patches proliferate and farmers confront diverse challenges, the Kilduff team remains resolute and aligned with their core values. The origin of the Pumpkin Festival is rooted in a desire to connect individuals with agriculture, fostering understanding of food origins and production processes. As an educational tool, pumpkins resonate particularly well with children, offering a tangible entry point to learning about food sources. Contrary to the conventional approach of discarding pumpkins after Halloween, Kilduff is committed to shifting this perspective by emphasizing their culinary potential. Beyond elucidating pumpkin cultivation, the team invests resources into educating the public about the nutritional value and versatility of pumpkins. This dedication extends to the formulation of knowledge resources, recipes, and pumpkin-based products, inspiring individuals to integrate autumn's hallmark ingredient into their culinary endeavors. This ethos has been extended to other farm products, including apple juice, rapeseed oil, bread flour, and honey, promoting thoughtful consumption and fostering an awareness of food sources. Russell and Lucy have established a devoted following who appreciate the family's unwavering dedication and passion evident in all farm activities. This intimate connection with customers and visitors, alongside the respect garnered, has culminated in significant success.
Central to Russell and Lucy's perspective is their belief that as farmers, they serve as custodians of the land. This commitment to environmental stewardship influences every decision on the farm, from the cultivation of pumpkins and cut flowers to the establishment of new orchards and the introduction of diverse crops. With a commitment to enhancing biodiversity, the team embarked on a significant undertaking during the 2021 closure, establishing a new orchard featuring 1500 trees in an underutilized paddock. A newly acquired apple press enables them to craft apple juice using produce from the farm's orchards as well as locally-sourced apples that would otherwise go to waste. The local community constitutes an indispensable element of Kilduff's success, and the family is deeply dedicated to reciprocating that support. The Christmas and Spring markets serve as vital platforms for local businesses to expand their reach, foster relationships, and exchange ideas. These events also serve as a conduit for raising awareness and funds for causes close to their hearts. Notably, visitors to the farm have contributed to supporting RSABI, North Berwick Beach Wheelchairs, and the Teapot Trust. Collaboration forms the cornerstone of the farm's operations, and the team has fostered fruitful partnerships with numerous local enterprises. Collaborations extend to The Scottish Bee Company, enabling honey production from the farm's crops, and Foraging Goat, a partnership that facilitated the establishment of a shop in Haddington, featuring delectable offerings crafted from Kilduff's produce. Additionally, Russell and Lucy engage closely with the local primary school, imparting education and inspiration to the next generation by inviting them for regular farm visits to cultivate an understanding of agriculture's essence.