farm

Why do people do stupid things?

It has been a long time since I sat down to write you a blog post for which I apologise. My mind has been on other things and as you know summer is a particularly busy time. It is quite incredible to drive around the local area and see the vast majority of fields alreadyContinueContinue reading “Why do people do stupid things?”

‘Health, Beauty and Permanence’ – Reflections on Michael Gove’s NFU Conference speech

I haven’t made it to the NFU Conference this year, but thanks to the wonders of youtube I was at least able to catch outgoing NFU President Meurig Raymond’s speech and Defra Secretary Michael Gove’s speech (thanks @NFUtube!). You can of course read the full speech from the Secretary of State here. Here is a briefContinueContinue reading “‘Health, Beauty and Permanence’ – Reflections on Michael Gove’s NFU Conference speech”

Countryside Stewardship field update

I promised that I would give you updates regarding progress of our higher tier countryside stewardship scheme which started a few weeks ago. It runs until December 2022 and we are receiving payment for undertaking works for conservation on the farm through Pillar 2 of the Common Agricultural Policy. The scheme consists of a rangeContinueContinue reading “Countryside Stewardship field update”

Winter pruning of Sea Buckthorn

You might think that the summer is the busiest time of year on a farm, and you’d probably be right. However, at all times of year there is something to be done. On our Essex farm at the moment a small team is intent in our task of winter pruning sea buckthorn plants, ensuring weContinueContinue reading “Winter pruning of Sea Buckthorn”

First day of #ORFC18

Around 800 people descended on Oxford Town Hall yesterday morning to attend the 9th Oxford Real Farming Conference. This is my third time attending the event, but it feels just as exciting and in many ways just as groundbreaking as my first a few years ago. This year the ORFC is focusing on four distinctContinueContinue reading “First day of #ORFC18”