Start thinking Countryside Stewardship

Integrated environmental management is high on the industry’s priority list and, although it may be policy driven, Kings technical advisor Jim Egan says measures must be implemented on farm to aid profit.

“3-7% of ground on most lowland farms is difficult or unproductive and therefore isn’t returning a profit,” says Jim.

“Regardless of policy or agri-environment schemes, environmental measures can help make money on farm and are currently underutilised.”

As well as the commercial benefits they bring, Jim also notes that they are a vital component in maintaining the fabric of the British countryside and contribute to the ways farming can help maintain our wildlife and protect the environment.

He details some simple steps which may take some time and thought, but if progressed will make a positive impact on the farm business bottom line.

“What’s important is that decisions are made based on the value of that measure to the farm and your business, not with stewardship or policy at the forefront of your mind – only then will they be truly beneficial.”

Be brutal when assessing the land

Identify unproductive and difficult land across the farm – for this to be effective it needs to be an honest exercise. Tools such as MySOYL show which fields or parts of fields are continually underperforming, measured by output or profitability, and areas on the farm which are not straightforward to farm.

List your options

When unproductive areas are identified, make a list of the management that land could benefit from, such as a drilling a headland mix for insects or creating a flower-rich habitat in a section of the farm which is otherwise inaccessible.

New measures can also be used to help the farm rotation. Fields with problematic grassweed issues may benefit from a period in a grass or herb rich ley, which will help long-term weed control as well as improve soil health, benefitting future crops. You may not immediately see the financial value in this approach but, add in financial support from Countryside Stewardship and it might just stack up.

Utilise financial support

The final step is identifying what financial support is available and how that will complement the measures you want to introduce. The Kings team, along with your agronomist, is here to help with seeking which environmental scheme would suit your business and can support in application of the measures in the short and long-term.

“BPS reductions are real, and this income won’t be directly replaced,” Jim reiterates.

“The new Environment Land Management scheme (ELMs) doesn’t start until 2024, so start thinking Countryside Stewardship. The application process is not complicated but you need to take time planning what to apply for, so why not make it part of your to-do list this autumn?”