There are lots of buzz words, phrases and techniques surrounding farming, possibly more now than ever.  For example: Pasture for Life, grass fed, sustainable, organic, regenerative, zero-till, conservation and integration, to name but a few. 

There’s also much discussion and debate in relation to these terms and even a variation in people’s minds as to their definition or perceived level of importance to food production, landscape, heritage, environment and the rural economy.

I don’t think one-size fits all, nor that every farm must necessarily follow one specific or rigid route or be defined purely by one label or description. I believe that farmers can and do utilise a variety of techniques and elements which may be drawn upon and combine to create a sustainable and regenerative blend of food production whilst increasing ecosystems. 

We are a mixed livestock and arable farm, growing rotational crops and grazing natural pastures, whilst integrating environmental work across the farm: pond restoration, hedge-laying and sowing pollen and nectar species within our field rotations.

I think wildlife corridors between copses, ponds, fields and alongside hedges and ditches are a key element within a farmed landscape, providing areas in which birds, mammals, insects and even rare arable plants may shelter, feed and flourish.

To support this biodiversity, wildlife and ecology we provide approximately 75km (46.6 miles) or the equivalent of 45ha (111 acres) of field margins planted for flora and fauna or winter bird feed, plus hedgerows in the region of 35km.

We endeavour to safeguard these parts of the farm especially for nature and therefore appreciate all the visitors to the Surrey Hills, who utilise the hundreds of miles of public paths and are kind enough to leave these eco-margins as a safe and quiet place for nature.

Our Belted Galloways undertake conservation grazing on a Site of Special Scientific Interest; they eat natural vegetation such as grass, herbs and shrubs throughout their life and have received the Pasture for Life (PFLA) certification mark.

 

They graze on natural pastures and within woodland areas or on home grown forage such as hay in winter, and are otherwise known as 100% grass fed.  

The cattle are a native and hardy breed which are ideal for this bespoke ‘habitat management’ which helps to restore or regenerate this rare chalk downland and its unique flora and fauna on behalf of Natural England, the National Trust and wider community.

Reducing tillage, diverse crop rotation and organic fertilisers combine to replenish soils. Over the past 30 years we’ve applied organic fertilisers to our cropping soils as well as farmyard manures that have been spread on the fields for generations. 

We haven’t ploughed the land for about 25 years and have since used a minimum cultivation system which has reduced soil disturbance, compaction and erosion. We have recently purchased our second direct drill, which will sow the seeds of the next crop, directly into the soil of the stubbles of the previously harvested crop or into a cover crop. A zero tillage system.

This cover crop mix includes mustard and wheat.   

A cover crop between two cash-crops keeps the soil covered, protecting the soil from the elements, prevents erosion and soil disturbance and ensures growing roots within the soil, increasing soil ecosystems whilst providing food, nectar, pollen and shelter for wildlife above and below ground.

Integrating ruminants into arable field rotations further improves soil nutrients and biodiversity.  As the livestock feed on the regrowth of the previous crop or leafy tops and fodder within the field, they manure the soil and gently incorporate some of the vegetation beneath their feet.

Whilst this is just one farm, I hope this demonstrates that whatever the terminology used, there are farmers up and down the country who’ve been incorporating a whole variety of positive farming and environmental techniques for decades, they continue to adapt and acknowledge that there’s scope to do more.

Farms may or may not fit within one category, farming system or the latest trend and nor should this be the main driver; one size does not fit all.

I see great potential for farms which draw upon a broader spectrum and within a framework of support for one another, taking pride in those elements of improved soils, ecosystems and healthy food production.