Farm overview
Farming 400ha in Norfolk, plus an additional 600ha of contracting work, Richard engages in a managed approach with limited cultivation practices. Richard has a host of projects on farm, including being an AHDB Monitor farm. Prior to becoming a monitor farm back in 2019, Richard was already evaluating the soil health of each field on a regular basis to select the best cultivation method for each season. Richard is very focussed on reducing his use of synthetic nitrogen fertilisers and is running trials for alternative low emission fertilisers. This involves an ongoing project with Nestlé, trialling low-carbon cocoa-shell fertiliser made from chocolate factory waste, and evaluating its performance in terms of crop production, soil health and greenhouse gas emissions. A second ongoing project with Nestlé involves trialling the use of a seaweed biostimulant. Richard is also currently working with Kings, to develop his knowledge and understanding of the benefits of catch crops.
Project activities
- Demonstration events – AHDB Monitor Farm (June 2023); Trials, LENs (Landscape Enterprise Networks) and farm tour (December 2023); ‘Using low-emission fertilisers in Climate Neutral Farming’ (December 2024).
- Training – BASIS Certificate in Sustainable Land Management course at The Allerton Project (May 2024).
- Trials – Summer catch crops (Kings).
- Lead Commercial Farm visits – Brixworth Farming, Courteenhall, G.D. Jewers & Son, J. H. Simpson & Son, Manor Farm, Winwick Manor Farm.
- Demonstration Farm activities – ‘Environmental Payments and Enablers: Making the Most out of Opportunities’ (June 2024).
