About us

Excellence in farming: managed by exceptional people.

Well trained people and a relentless focus on quality makes our business successful

Excellence in reputation, science-based innovation and well trained and effective people

The JSR Group has a strong emphasis on people and quality which comes from our core values: excellence in reputation, science based innovation and well trained and effective people.

As a respected family farming business in British food production our mission is to have dedicated people delivering excellence in farming and food for the future.

Here’s a little of what we’ve been up to over the years

1958

John Sykes Rymer began his farming enterprise with the acquisition of Eastburn Warren Farm

1974

Acquired Southburn and Highfield farms

1976

Acquired Decoy House and Standingholme Farm

1982

Acquired Gomary Hall Farm, Leconfield

1984

JSR Healthbred was formed as JSR was increasingly recognised for their expertise in pig breeding and genetics

1988

Acquired Swaythorpe Farm, Thwing

1993

JSR founded Swaythorpe Viners which became the co-operative Swaythorpe Growers in 1996

2000 - 2002

JSR Healthbred became JSR Genetics and acquired Newsham Hybrid Pigs and Cotswold Pig Development Co.

2001

JSR joined the Stabiliser group and the very first embryos of Stabiliser cattle were born at Givendale farm

2012

Opened the Yorkshire Wolds Cookery School at Highfield Farm which has expanded into a glamping site, B&B and Farmhouse hire under the Wold Escapes brand

2025

JSR sold the pig business and remains a large mixed farm, farming 3,000 ha

Rooted in history

John Sykes Rymer founded JSR Farms in 1958, when he bought Eastburn Warren Farm. This 440 acre farm on the edge of the Wolds just outside Driffield, East Yorkshire, was John's starting point into farming. Though the farm was devoid of any modern facilities it had considerable potential for John's principles of success: Pigs, Peas and Potatoes.

John's aspirations to farm 1,000 acres were quickly realised with the acquisition of several local farms, and it became apparent that a fourth P would be instrumental to profitable growth, People. With the help of dedicated people in the team JSR now farm 3,000 hectares across East Yorkshire, making them one of the largest family farms in the UK.

JSR Farms historical farm machinery
John Sykes Rymer founder of JSR Farms

Continued excellence in farming and food for the future

Today, JSR may no longer be pig farmers but our green circle farming ethos is still at the heart of the business. Organic manures are spread onto the land, which in turn help to grow crops which are then harvested and milled to produce animal feed, with the straw being used as bedding. The cycle continuing just as it has since the 1950's.

Peas and potatoes are both still very much at the heart of operations. JSR founded Swaythorpe Viners in 1993, which converted into the co-operative Swaythorpe Growers in 1996.

JSR were also pioneers in Stabiliser cattle within the UK, with the first Stabiliser embryos being born at Givendale Farm, making way for our Givendale stabiliser herd.

People and community remain fundamental to our culture as we invest in our employees and continue to support the wider community.

JSR Combines
JSR Farms

Meet the team

Our brilliant people are at the heart of everything we do, a dedicated, skilled, and passionate team driving innovation and excellence across our family-run farm in the heart of East Yorkshire.

Tim Rymer, CEO JSR Farms

Tim Rymer

JSR Farms Owner & CEO

Tim Rymer is the Chief Executive Officer of JSR Farms, a family-owned agricultural business based in East Yorkshire. Its core focus is growing cereals as efficiently as possible, milling and mixing them on-site to produce high-quality feed. This feed is now supplied to JSR Genetics, a pig breeding business that was formerly owned by JSR and sold to Cranswick Plc in January 2025.

Under Tim’s leadership, JSR has evolved into a forward-thinking modern farming group, focused on efficient cereal production, regenerative agriculture, and environmental stewardship.

Tim continues to drive innovation across the business, including the development of sustainable livestock systems, the Chalk Stream Sanctuary nature reserve, and Wold Escapes, a rural leisure destination.

Beyond the farm, Tim is actively involved in supporting regional causes through the JS & EC Rymer Charitable Trust. Tim is married to Zoë, and has four children.

Charlie Parker, Managing Director, JSR Farms

Charlie Parker

Managing Director, Arable and Property

Charlie joined JSR in 2016 from Velcourt, a farm management and advisory services business. He brought with him management experience in running complex farming operations and has a strong background in arable farming. Since joining, Charlie has been a driving force in improving efficiency, innovation, as well as pushing forwards with environmental improvements.

Erhan Donmez, Director of IT & Business Development, JSR Farms

Erhan Donmez

Director of IT & Business Development

Erhan joined JSR in March 2015 as a Trainee IT Technician and has since grown with the company, gaining experience across IT, Energy, Trading, and Project Management. Over the years, he has played a key role in driving business efficiency and leading the adoption of new technologies.

John Maltby, Finance Director, JSR Farms

John Maltby

Finance Director

John has been the company’s Finance Director since 2017.  Heading up the finance team, John has been instrumental in strengthening JSR’s growth and the company’s financial strategy.

John came to the business with a wealth of experience from his previous role as Finance Controller at Encon Group as well as positions held at Grampian Food Group.

Bev Gibson, HR, JSR Farms

Bev Gibson

HR & Executive Assistant to the CEO

Bev Gibson is HR & Executive Assistant to the CEO, and has been a key part of the JSR team for many years. Known for her can-do attitude and calm, friendly approach, Bev supports both people and operations with professionalism, warmth, and has a deep understanding of the business.

Join our team

Grow your future with us and explore careers within JSR Farms

At JSR Farms, we’re always looking for passionate, driven people to join our team. Whether you're just starting out or bringing years of experience, you'll find opportunities for you to thrive in a supportive, forward-thinking environment.

Find Out More

Today, our commitment to sustainable farming is stronger than ever.  From protecting soil health to supporting biodiversity and responsible food production, we continue to evolve while staying true to the principles that shaped us.

Because at JSR Farms, we believe that good farming takes care of tomorrow, starting with the land we look after today.

Tim Rymer, CEO, JSR Farming Group

At JSR Farms, sustainability isn’t a trend, its part of who we are.  Since the 1950’s, when John Sykes Rymer first started farming, we have believed in farming that works in harmony with nature.  Back then, mixed farming was just common sense.  We cared for the soil by returning organic manures from our cattle, pigs and sheep, nurturing the land so it could keep giving back.

Tim Rymer, CEO, JSR Farming Group

While times have changed with the advances in renewables, precision farming, and cutting-edge genetics, our core values remain unchanged.  As a family-run farming business, we remain committed to working in harmony with the land and environment to support British food production.

Tim Rymer, CEO, JSR Farming Group