Climate change is one the biggest challenges we face as a society: it is also one of the greatest risks to the agri-food sector, and farming in particular. While agriculture can act as a source of greenhouse gas emissions, it can and must also play a vital role in acting as one of the solutions to climate change.

Farming 700ha of arable land outside of Stilton in Cambridgeshire. Toby is a 2022 Nuffield Scholar focussing his research into cover, catch and companion cropping within an arable rotation. Highly focussed on soil health and continual improvement Toby trials numerous projects on the farm, to fit into a thriving farming system. Working with BASE UK and other industry bodies Toby is a passionate regenerative farmer and we look forward to seeing where the Climate Neutral Farms project takes him.

Rosie Davis is the land Agent at Courteenhall, Courteenhall is a progressive farm focussing on arable production within 730ha of the estate, with a vast area of parkland the estate also runs a herd of traditional Herefords, which aim to boost biodiversity across these areas. The arable operation has recently moved to a two-year grass ley followed by a wheat crop, working closely with their agronomists to understand benefits. Committed to farming sustainably the estate has a countryside stewardship scheme with 15% of the farm being a pollen and nectar mix/wild bird seed mix. The estate is also part of the Tove valley farm cluster where they can achieve further benefits beyond the countryside stewardship, focussing on elements such as conserving farmland birds and improving water quality.

Farming 395ha in Suffolk, Tom is focussed on understanding key issues and how best to resolve them. Working closely with Hutchinsons and the small robot company Tom is looking at ways to reduce reliance on Nitrogen whilst ensuring continual added value. Running trials on Nitrogen use efficiency and polycropping, all whilst providing habitats and resources for wildlife.

Farming in Northamptonshire, Henry is focussed on utilising regenerative farming practices to drive forward the farm, utilising minimal tillage since the early 2000s they understand the practical application and the positives, including reduced fuel consumption. Continuing to monitor the soil Henry is keen to roll out management practices as and when they are needed on the 200ha arable operation. More recently Henry is benchmarking his carbon footprint using The Cool Farm tool with his Agronomists and his local farming network.

Finishing his final year as an AHDB Monitor farm this year Richard has a host of projects on farm. Farming 400ha in Suffolk the management follows limited cultivation practices. Most recently Richard has focussed on reducing synthetic nitrogen fertilisers and running trials for an alternative low emission fertiliser. Increasing the resilience of the farm is vital, Richard is especially interested in the detail and highlights a list of other areas he would like to understand more about, such as grain analysis furthering the knowledge from soil samples.

Our organic farmer within the group, Geert farms in Suffolk. Geert was quoted saying that his Organic conversion was like learning to farm all over again. Moving focus away from inputs and continually focussing on farming with nature. Managing the rotation there are learnings from the 340ha Organic side (45%) which can be utilised on the conventional side of the farm. Geert is interested in numerous climate neutral principles on farm and will be a great addition to the knowledge exchange of the group with his Organic focus.

Well established within the industry Martin lines farms in Cambridgeshire, alongside his son who recently Graduated from Harper Adams. With extensive conservation work on farm they offer habitats to a wide range of species including those which are at risk. With the 460ha in the project the farm really is a haven, with wild flower strips running through each field the farm is connecting the dots for wildlife. The arable farm continues to run at the heart of the farm and ensuring productive and profitable farming alongside nature is a core part of Martins work with the Nature Friendly Farming Network.