Lion Plants Ltd is a family-run business, proudly rooted in tradition and embracing innovation. Specialising in the cultivation of brassicas from seed—including cauliflower, calabrese (broccoli), Brussels sprouts, and a full spectrum of cabbage varieties they produce almost 100 million plants annually. On land farmed by the family for five generations, the business has grown substantially since it was established in 1966 by John Wood’s parents, John and Ann. Today, the company supplies customers both locally in Lincolnshire and as far afield as Cornwall.
Precision and Freshness at the Core
Timing and precision are essential in this business as the seeds are grown to the customer’s requested timescale and once the plants leave the nursery, they must be planted as soon as possible to preserve moisture and freshness. Uniformity in plant size is also critical, ensuring they fit seamlessly into automated planters as per strict planting plans.
Investing in Sustainability and the Future
To safeguard the future of the business, the owners have recognised the need for continued investment in both infrastructure and sustainability. One of the farm’s most critical resources is water. Easy access to water is crucial, particularly as the UK is experiencing more extreme weather events, including drought conditions, and recognising the risks of abstraction from natural watercourses, such as contamination and water quality—Lion Plants has focused on self-sufficiency.
Four reservoirs, the most recent completed in late 2024, now hold a combined 8 million gallons (35 million litres) of water. The reservoirs are fed by rainwater harvested from six acres of glass house roofing, ensuring a clean and reliable water supply. Complementing this are solar panels installed on most farm buildings and battery cells to support energy efficiency across operations.
Machinery That Delivers: Kubota in Action
Machinery plays a vital role in the day-to-day running of Lion Plants. The latest addition to their equipment fleet is the Kubota ZD1211 zero-turn mower, purchased from Irelands Farm Machinery to replace their long-serving Kubota F3060, which had been in use for 13 years. Although still reliable, health and safety was an important consideration when looking to upgrade. The old mower lacked a factory-fitted ROPS (Roll Over Protection System) and seatbelt, and retrofitting was not a viable option. “Operator safety is paramount for us and it’s particularly important when mowing near the reservoirs” explained John.
The ZD1211 has proven to be a game-changer. Its zero-turn capability makes it incredibly agile, particularly in tight spaces, and it delivers excellent efficiency—completing tasks more quickly and quietly than its predecessor. Its hydrostatic gearbox simplifies operation, while comfort features ensure ease of use for the operator.
Lion Plants’ relationship with Kubota goes back to 2002, when the farm acquired an ST Alpha 30. Today, their fleet includes three compact tractors—essential for manoeuvring in the confined areas of the glass houses—alongside an RTV and the new ZD1211. Despite modern updates, Kubota machines have remained simple, reliable, and highly efficient, qualities the farm values deeply.
Trusted Partnerships
On the business relationship with Irelands Farm Machinery, John comments “Irelands Farm Machinery have been excellent. Paul Bell is always quick to respond and easy to deal with”. Although the farm’s workshop handles routine servicing and repairs, John insists on using genuine Kubota parts and filters for all maintenance. As he puts it, “The difference in price isn’t worth the hassle a breakdown would cause.”
