Regenerative agriculture in spotlight at Cereals event

• More growers rethinking rotation

• How change rebuilds soil health

• Range of opportunities available

Soil health and economic pressures will be discussed at a dedicated Regenerative Agriculture conference at this month’s Cereals event.

Hosted by BASE UK and sponsored by sponsored by Tees Law, the conference will run across both days of the event – held on 11-12 June at Heath Farm, near Leadenham, Lincolnshire.

Speakers and farmers will discuss practical, resilient solutions to the challenges faced by arable growers – with an increasing number of producers rethinking their rotations and management systems.

“It is especially exciting as knowledge exchange is the foundation of our organisation, and the majority of our speakers are members,” explained BASE UK administrator Rebecca Goodwin.

“This highlights the wealth of knowledge, expertise and innovation that exists within our network. Our members work with the system day after day and can provide practical insights and expertise to the industry discussions.”

BASE UK chairman Edwin Taylor believes the push towards regenerative methods is being fuelled by necessity, rather than ideology – although there is some of that too among regenerative farmers.

Mr Taylor said: “As a result of seeing a significant decline in the resilience and workability of their soils, many farmers are exploring changes to their farming practices to rebuild soil health.

Some may have investigated this option when the sustainable farming incentive (SFI) offered support for this transition, but even without such schemes there are still many compelling benefits and reasons to adopt regenerative practices.”

Range of enterprises

In a session called ‘Enterprise stacking – the regen way’, BASE UK member Seb Richardson will discuss how he uses different enterprises on his family farm to achieve multiple benefits.

A fifth-generation farmer, Mr Richardson farms beef and arable in partnership with his parents across 700ha of Northamptonshire. The farm has been regenerative since 2019, when the family turned to a non-plough based system.

Regenerative farming offers an opportunity to stack enterprises in the same field, says
Mr Richardson, who has introduced Sustainable Farming Incentive options, carbon credits, livestock integration and bi-cropping.

“We still focus on food production, but enterprise stacking allows us to do this while diversifying the farm. We were able to join the SFI before it closed. Hopefully by the time Cereals comes around we will know more about the next SFI.”

Farm manager John Aynsley, who farms just under 1,600ha on the Skelton Estate in north Yorkshire, will also be sharing his journey at the conference, drawing on more than a decade of experience in conservation agriculture.

No subsidy

Recently, Mr Aynsley has explored enterprise stacking as a way to plan for the future. “If you don’t prepare to work with no subsidy, then you may be on the back foot in a few years’ time,” he says.

“Food production is not at the top of this government’s priorities, so events like Cereals are important; as no matter how old you are there’s always something new that can be learnt.”

Stacking enterprises, like integrating livestock with arable rotations, is important for a farm’s profitability, says Mr Aynsley. It provides a more resilient income stream, which helps cashflow.

“It’s not always about directly grazing arable land but using livestock elements – such as applying manure – on arable land, although grazing can be a great opportunity for younger people with small flocks and mobile pens to get involved.”

Resilience and prosperity are key farming focus

Norfolk farmer Emily Norton says strengthening the industry’s prosperity will be her focus as chair of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board.

Speaking following her appointment last month, Ms Norton said she was proud to take on the role of AHDB chair at a pivotal time for British agriculture. She takes up the reins at the AHDB for three years from 1 June.

“My professional focus has always been on strengthening the resilience, sustainability, and prosperity of the UK’s food and farming sectors,” she said. “I look forward to working with stakeholders across the industry to deliver on that mission.”

Experience

Ms Norton has 25 years of experience in the food and farming sector. She is partner in an 80ha arable farm and has previously held several executive roles – including head of rural research at land agents Savills.

Defra farm minister Daniel Zeichner said Ms Norton’s leadership and extensive experience across a diverse range of sectors would bring fresh perspective and strategic insight to the AHDB.

Mr Zeichner added: “I look forward to working closely with her as we continue to champion our world-class farmers and food producers – driving rural economic growth and strengthening food security.

Dedicated

Supported by board member and Cambridgeshire farmer Stephen Briggs, who has been appointed AHDB deputy chair, Ms Norton succeeds Nicholas Saphir, who is stepping down after more than five years as AHDB chairman.

Mr Saphir said: “I have served as AHDB chair for the last five years during which time it has been an honour and a pleasure to have worked with some amazingly dedicated and knowledgeable board members and staff.

Together we have delivered a significant change in the way in which AHDB serves our levy payers. I leave AHDB, the board and team, well positioned to play their part in providing ‘the key that unlocks the future of British agriculture’.

“I’m delighted that Emily Norton will be stepping into the role as Chair of AHDB. Emily brings a wealth of experience through her background in running a family farming business as well as her work as a highly respected strategic and policy advisor.”

Graham Wilkinson to step down as AHDB CEO

AHDB chief executive Graham Wilkinson is stepping down to join global food company Sofina Foods as group agriculture director.

Mr Wilkinson will leave his post towards the end of 2025 – little more than 18 months after he joined the organisation. He has pledged “business as usual” at the AHDB until his departure date.

“I am extremely proud of the team and what we have achieved together on behalf of levy payers,” said Mr Wilkinson. “The organisation is energised with a new vision and strategy that is laser focused on delivering value.”

Mr Wilkinson’s departure was announced just a day after the appointment of Norfolk farmer Emily Norton as AHDB chairman. But the two decisions are said to be coincidental, rather than linked.

Speaking about the next few months, Mr Wilkinson said: “Emily Norton will have my full support over the coming months in her new role as chair of AHDB and I remain fully committed until I leave towards the end of the year.

“For now, it’s business as usual. My leadership team and I will continue to deliver the ambitious plans that we have set out for levy payers.”