Our history

The origins of CMG date back to 1970 when a number of Cotswold farmers formed a grain marketing group in Gloucestershire which was administered by the West Midland Farmers Association. A small sub-group was founded in South Wales. All original members, or their families are still involved today.

In 1992, CMG separated from WMF and became the separate legal entity ‘Crop Marketing (Groups) Ltd’ comprising Gloucester, South Wales and the newly formed Southern CMG – which covered Wiltshire, Somerset and Dorset. WMF Ltd were appointed the marketing agents. As all farmer members became equal shareholders in the new business saw the formation of Unicorn CMG covering Berkshire, Hampshire and in 1997, Central CMG in the Warwickshire, Worcestershire area.

In 1999, CMG developed into the lower East Midlands through Ouse Valley CMG taking our brand of co-operation into Bucks, Oxon, Northants and Beds.

In 2000 Grainfarmers plc were appointed the CMG marketing agent following its acquisition of the former WMF / Countrywide grain business.

2006 Wheatsheaf Group (Stamford/ Rutland) and Scotland Group (Perth/ Inverness) were founded

2007 Grainfarmers plc merged with Centaur to form Openfield

2015 West Anglia group (Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire) and White Horse group (Kent) were founded.

2024 Cefetra Ltd appointed as our new marketing agent.

2025 West Essex group (Essex/ East Cambs/Suffolk) was formed

2026 Tweedside (Northumberland/Scottish borders), Lothian (East/West/Mid Lothian/Lanarkshire) and Lincs (Lincolnshire) were formed

CMG Ltd benefits greatly from its relationship with Cefetra and the market coverage it provides.