Environmental

Farmer Robert Moore made it his goal to leave his 356-hectare arable unit in a better state for the environment and wildlife than when he took it on in 1988. To do this, he has balanced sustainability and profitability in his approach to farming.

Dr Johnny Wake, who took over the running of the historic Courteenhall estate ten years ago, was presented with the prestigious Bledisloe Gold Medal for Landowners at the Royal Windsor Estate yesterday (Thursday 7th September).

Extreme weather events driven by climate change and industry net zero commitments are focusing the potato supply chain’s attention on how to reduce the crop’s carbon footprint. Andrew Blair, field technical manager at the UK’s largest potato supplier, Branston, explains how an Innovate UK funded project is examining the potential for reducing carbon in potato production from growing through to storage and transport.

Nature-friendly farming solutions could offer a way forward for farmers dealing with the impact of climate change and the need to keep their farms profitable, according to a recent webinar organised by the Nature Friendly Farming Network (NFFN).

Testing has begun as part of a project to reduce the environmental impact of ammonia emissions from livestock, after ammonia-harvesting technology was put in place at a pig farm running the trials.

In line with Somerset-based Godminster Farm’s ethos: ‘nature repays those who treat her kindly’, Pete Cheek who has been in charge of the farm’s 300 organic dairy herd for more than 25 years, is working with McArthur Agriculture to replace imported soya bean meal from the cows’ diet with home-grown and roasted pulses.

Two farming estates in North Wales have been praised for their efforts to tackle the climate and nature emergencies, paving the way towards a more sustainable, greener future, by rural affairs minister Lesley Griffiths.

Despite recent rainfall, the Environment Agency is urging farmers, water companies, and the general public to maintain collective action on protecting water resources in preparation for future droughts and weather extremes.

The UK’s only two-day on-farm regenerative agriculture conference, Groundswell, sold out for another year, attracting over 6,500 attendees, with 75% either directly farming or involved in a farming enterprise.   

Rural affairs minister Lesley Griffiths has recently visited Sealands Farm near Bridgend, South Wales, to learn about its sustainable farming practices that benefit the environment and business alike.

On-the-spot fines for litter, graffiti and fly-tipping are set to rise as the government moves to clamp down on anti-social behaviour that harms nature and communities, environment minister Rebecca Pow announced last week.

South London-based Gypsy Hill has become the first brewery in the world to create carbon negative beer without offsetting emissions by combining innovative brewing techniques with barley grown using regenerative farming methods.