Our Philosophy

 

Our philosophy is to produce the best quality produce in a sustainable and environmentally positive way.

We are actively engaging in new and progressive practices to best help improve the efficiency of the business whilst minimising our environmental footprint and focusing on soil health.

  • Crop rotation, where different crops are grown in the same field in a cycle. For instance, year 1 growing cauliflower, year 2 growing spring wheat and year 3 growing beans then repeat the cycle. The rotation is one of the most effective methods of controlling weeds, pest and disease. This method of land managment has been followed for centuries and is still very relevant today.

  • Cover crop, defined as a crop grown for the enrichment and protection of soil. When used on the farm, they conserve soil moisture, reduce soil erosion and introduce more organic matter to the soil. This improves the soil structure which is vital for sustainably growing successful crops year on year. Other benefits to the farm are improved biodiversity and improved weed management.

  • Over-winter stubble offers fantastic cover and food for birds and other wildlife. The cracked grain from the previous harvest provides nutrition during the winter when food is scarce. Over winter stubble is also of great benefit for weed management, which is another vital part of an integrated land management plan. It also offers many of the benefits of a cover crop including moisture and nutrient retention in the soil.

  • Using GPS-guided tractors reduces fuel costs, minimises soil compaction, reduces overlapping/missing ground when cultivating, and reduces wasted field space. It allows the farm to use precision implements such as an in-row hoe, which destroys weeds between the crop rows and reduces the use of herbicides. This benefits both the farm and the environment.