Douglas Hill Hay & Straw Merchants have been serving the equine industry for over 50 years.
Douglas started the business in 1968 from a small site in Basildon.
In 1980, Douglas moved the business back to the family farm in West Hanningfield.
Today we are one of Essex’s largest producers and suppliers of hay, straw, haylage and bedding in the South East.
Joanna is responsible for the day to day running of the business.
She has been involved in this role since 2001.
During the working week Joanna is usually office based. She does however venture out on the odd delivery and can be found at an occasional horse show mid week!
Joanna loves showjumping and cross country on her homebred mare ‘Tammy’. She is also rarely without her trusty Jack Russell ‘Betty’.
Douglas is still involved with the business on a daily basis. He especially enjoys overseeing haymaking and harvest operations and liaising with our contractors.
Douglas (born in 1943) is a keen horseman. He still enjoys riding his homebred Shire cross ‘Asbo’. He has bred well over 100 foals and still has a few foals a year coming on.
Mark joined the business in 2006. He is an invaluable part of the team. He has developed a good rapport with customers, suppliers and contractors alike.
Mark is due to marry his long term partner Edith in June 2020. They have a son called Miles, and a son called Harry from Edith’s previous relationship.
Mark loves his family and their pet Puggle Saffy! He also enjoys motorsport and car shows.
Joseph joined the business in 2018. He is from a farming and equestrian background so has a good understanding of the trade.
Joseph plays football 2-3 times a week. He loves a good roast dinner and is very fond of his pet dogs!
Steve has been involved with the business for over 20 years.
He is married to Caroline and has two daughters, Ruby and Erin. Steve also has a collie named Alice.
Steve is our chief maintenance man but he loves venturing out on deliveries to meet clients old and new!
