Farmer Profiles

Here you will find case studies of farmers who have implemented a range of practices aiming to improve resource management.

Soils – Peat-free growing media

John Ashton explains about the benefits and hindrances that come from using completely peat free compost in this commercial nursery.

Soils – Taverners Farm

Rob Taverner, a dairy farmer from Devon explains how using compost on his grassland has boosted soil structure and fertility.

Soils – Linscombe Farm

Phil Thomas, an organic vegetable grower from Devon explains how green waste compost helps improve the quality of his soil.

Soils – Presingoll Farm

Mark Williams, a mixed farmer from Cornwall explains how they have been improving soil fertility and structure.

Soils – Andrew Bult

Andrew Bult, an arable farmer from Somerset explains how he reduces surface run-off in his potato fields by using a tied ridger and precision farming technology.

Soils – Green Acres Farm

Tom Dening, an arable and dairy farmer from Somerset, explains how the purchase of a soil aerator has improved soil structure and grassland productivity.

Soils – Lower Northcott Farm

Martin Howard, an organic beef farmer from Cornwall explains how enhancing soil biology is central to his farm management strategy.

Irrigation – Eastcott Vineyard

Richard and Hilary Waller, winemakers from Dartmoor explain how rainwater harvesting has lowered their water bills and improved efficiency.

Irrigation – Mitchell Fruit Garden

Jeremy Best, a soft fruit grower from Cornwall explains how the irrigation system that he has set up helps to achieve maximum efficiency.

Irrigation – Verticrop

Mike Phillips explains the vertical cropping system at Paignton Zoo and describes the way that high tech innovation is combined with efficient use of resources.

Manures – High Park Farm

Managing manures and mitigating emissions by investing in slurry storage.

Manures – James Johns

James, a dairy farmer from Cornwall explains how a trailing shoe slurry applicator has helped him to farm more precisely.

Manures – Farwood Barton Farm

Julian Hurford, a dairy farmer from Devon explains how he is reducing fuel use, soil compaction and run off by using a slurry irrigator.

Manures – Langage Farm

John Deane explains the financial and agronomic benefits that he has seen since using the digestate from the business’ Anaerobic Digestion plant.

Scilly Organics

Jonathan Smith, an organic vegetable grower, explains how he manages his soils and water to get the best out of his crops on the Isles of Scilly.

Woodland – Michael Rogers

An organic farmer from South Devon who has introduced trees to enhance the farm’s sustainability.

Woodland – Well Close Wood

Simon Trehane explains how he manages his woodland to produce fuel and support wildlife.

Woodland – Dartington Forest Garden

Martin Crawford, director of the Agroforestry Research Trust, explains the largely self – sustaining crop production system in which water and soil resource use is optimised.

Woodland – Highfield Farm

Ian Shears explains how he has installed a biomass heating system on farm and the practical considerations for anyone who is planning on investing in renewable heat.

Renewables – Bodinnick Farm

Oliver Baines, a beef and sheep farmer from Cornwall explains who he came to the decision to install a wind turbine on his farm.

Renewables – Woodland Valley

Chris Jones, a farmer from Cornwall, explains how a wind turbine has enhanced his energy security and boosted farm profits.

Renewables – Higher Keigwin Farm

Lisa Guy, a beef farmer from West Cornwall explains how resource management has become central to her farm management system, including renewable energy generation.

Renewables – Nansmerrow Farm

Paul George, a dairy farmer with 450 cows in Cornwall has installed solar panels on the roof of the shed to cut costs.

Carbon Footprinting – Duchy College Home Farm

A practical walk through a carbon assessment looking at what happens, the results and next steps with the team from Duchy College.

Carbon Footprinting – Summerhill Farm

Carbon footprinting a mixed farm in Devon looking at opportunities to reduce emissions and improve efficiency.

Carbon Footprinting – Cottage Farm

Paul Sousek farms in Cornwall and is taking a whole farm approach to sustainability.

Carbon Footprinting – Home Farm

Carbon footprinting a potato farm in Gloucestershire looking at opportunities to improve sustainability and resilience.

Carbon Footprinting – Woodland Valley Farm

Carbon footprinting an organic beef farm in Cornwall working on improving soil and grassland management by optimising efficiency and resource use.

Carbon Footprinting – Abbey Home Farm

Carbon footprinting a 650ha mixed organic farm in Gloucestershire looking at opportunities to improve emissions and manage resources better.