The land which comprises the Cranborne Estate is used for both traditional agriculture and more modern tenancy arrangements.  There are also in-hand farming operations at three farms on land at the Cranborne Estate and its sister estate at Hatfield.  Most of the in-hand farming is arable, but let holdings range from dairy and livestock farms to mixed businesses involving a combination of arable farming, horses, sheep and pigs.

 

Great care is taken to farm and manage Estate land with conservation in mind and the agricultural and conservation policies play an important part in the overall appearance and management of the land.  For example, over ten miles of hedges have been planted or restored in recent years and conservation margins have been introduced around the edges of fields and against watercourses.

 

The Estate relies heavily on proactive management from its farms and forestry departments for sporting and shooting on Estate land.  Game and venison, when in season, is sold through Cranborne Stores together with pork and other products all year round.