ADM Milling attempts world record

Pending authentication from the Guinness Book of Records, ADM Milling (UK) may have successfully broken the world record for the fastest time to turn newly harvested wheat into bread. In doing so, the company has raised funds for the Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital.

On 3 August, the attempt to set a new field-to-loaf Guinness World Record was performed on S & J Padfield & Partners’ family farm at Codham Hall in Brentwood, Essex. The event saw the current record beaten by more than three minutes (pending verification).

The current official world record of 16 minutes and 30.83 seconds has been held by an Australian team in New South Wales for more than three years. Last year’s British effort, led by ProCam’s technical director Tudor Dawkins, set an unofficial time of 15 minutes and 27 seconds.

However, the latest endeavour, executed by ADM Milling’s technical team and Codham Hall Farm, has smashed the official record by harvesting wheat variety ‘winter wheat’ and using it to bake 13 loaves of bread in just 12 minutes and 42.32 seconds.

Tim Cook, managing director, ADM Milling (UK), says, “Thanks to our supply partners, we have generated a significant contribution for our Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital fund raising target.

“Beating the record and being able to host such an enjoyable event would not have been possible without the support and enthusiasm of Christopher Padfield, his family and colleagues at Codham Hall Farm who kindly hosted the attempt.”

The challenge commenced from the first movement of the combine harvester, with the grain being collected as it made its way towards the challenge tent, set up on the edge of the field.

The grain was then rapidly milled before being blended with the other ingredients. The dough was then divided and moulded into a traditional baker’s dozen (13 loaves) before being cooked in a gas-fired oven. The claxon sounded as the last loaf hit the table from the baking tin.

ADM Milling will now send the necessary submissions and evidence to Guinness World Records to be officially endorsed and entered in the record books.