Sustainable Farming Practices
Direct Drilling
We firmly believe that the enhancement and preservation of our soils are paramount in consistently producing high-quality crops year after year. By minimizing tillage to shallow cultivation in most cases and adopting direct drilling for our OSR, cover, and wheat crops, we actively contribute to the improvement of our soil structure. This approach not only bolsters our resilience during extreme weather events such as droughts and prolonged rainfall but also ensures sustainable agricultural practices for the long term
Cover Crops
We cultivate a diverse array of flora species aimed at fostering soil fertility and biodiversity, thereby enhancing our soil's water retention capacity and resilience against the backdrop of increasingly frequent extreme weather events. With a selection of ten distinct plants boasting robust root systems, we not only bolster soil structure but also promote the accumulation of organic matter. Additionally, we employ winter grazing of sheep as a means to recycle plant nutrients back into the soil, further enriching its health and vitality
Sustainable Farming Incentive
We've established wildlife strips and beetle banks as part of our SFI scheme to enrich the environment surrounding our arable crops. By implementing woodland management practices and conserving hedgerows and trees as per the scheme's options, we're continually enhancing the habitat for a diverse range of flora and fauna to flourish. For further insights into our farm's biodiversity, click the link below.
Natural Fertiliser Inputs
Inorganic nitrogen fertilizers contribute to 60-70% of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGEs) within UK arable farms. To reduce our GHGEs at Manor Farm, we've minimized the use of artificial inputs on our crops, favoring natural fertilizers instead. Through rotational applications of compost, chicken muck, and cow manure across the farm, we've substantially reduced artificial nutrient inputs. This not only decreases carbon emissions but also enriches the soil with organic matter, enhancing soil fertility.
Crop Rotation
Each crop within our wide crop rotation brings unique characteristics, contributing to soil health, pest and weed management, and overall farm resilience. Our Winter cereals (barley and wheat) provide soil cover, reducing soil erosion and enhancing nutrient cycling, while spring crops offer flexibility and crop diversity in the growing season. Our break crops include Oilseed Rape to break weed and disease cycles, while peas contribute to soil health through atmospheric nitrogen absorption via nitrogen fixation
Red Tractor Assured
At Manor Farm, Red Tractor Farm Assurance underscores our dedication to sustainable crop production. This certification guarantees that our farming techniques prioritize environmental responsibility and product quality. By proudly displaying the Red Tractor logo, we communicate our commitment to sustainable agriculture and provide assurance to consumers seeking ethically sourced crops.
