Oliver Porritt had sold most of his property to Porritts and Spencer Ltd in 1932, and they in turn sold it to the Ministry of Agriculture in 1951. In 1952 the Great House Experimental Farm in Helmshore was established by the Ministry on the flat top and southern slopes of Musbury Tor. The 350-acre site was an ideal acquisition for trialling high-level farming techniques, including many on grain planting and animal husbandry. Analyses of the effects of acidity in rain were carried out, air quality was measured, and even the effect of sonic bangs on livestock was monitored. The offices and accommodation were sited in Tor Side House, and the farm eventually employed over 30 personnel. Great House Experimental Farm was closed in 1982, broken up and sold off to private farmers and others.