Soils Farmer - Direct Driller

Agroecological Farming Boosts Soil and Biodiversity – But Economic Barriers Remain

Written by Rothamsted Research Study of 17 English farms finds nature-friendly practices can support yields, but only modest schemes are financially viable without subsidies A major four-year study across English farms has found that nature-friendly agroecological practices can enhance biodiversity and boost some crop yields, but high costs and land-use trade-offs mean most approaches remain […]

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Farmer Focus – John Farrington

Farmer Focus, Soil Health, Soils Farmer / By John Farrington

June 2025 It has been over a year since my last DD article and rather a lot has happened in that time which is affecting all businesses and especially farming. I think there are opportunities out there if you are prepared to take on the challenge but there is a lot of uncertainty in the

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Innovation in Action: Horizon’s Expanding No-Till Lineup

Manufacturer in Focus, Soils Farmer / By Horizon Machinery

Manufacturer in Focus – Horizon Agriculture As the shift toward regenerative and low-disturbance farming continues to accelerate, Horizon Agricultural Machinery has remained at the forefront of equipment innovation. Based in Lincolnshire and exporting to over 30 countries, Horizon designs and manufactures quality, reliable machinery and components that address agronomic issues whilst at the same time

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Can you afford not to…?

Research, Soil Health, Soils Farmer / By James Warne

With harvest well under way in parts of the country we, once again, are thinking about autumn establishment. With commodity prices under pressure, and support measures falling away, what are you doing to cut cost and attempt to maintain profitability. Being a soil consultant, I am always going to argue that the soil is the

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Introduction – Issue 32

Other, Soils Farmer / By Mike Donovan

How full was your grain store this harvest and how have your planting plans changed between 2021/2 and 2024/5? My guess is your 2024 harvest is 10 per cent below a 2022 baseline average and you’ll be planting as much as 10 per cent fewer acres for the next. The area planted will largely depend

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Critical Role of Water in Regenerative Agriculture

Other, Soils Farmer / By Chris Fellows

Written by Chris Fellows I was reading a paper on water usage (QR code at the end if you want to read the whole thing) and realised we don’t talk enough about water in this magazine. Water is the lifeblood of agriculture, but in regenerative agriculture, its role is especially critical and multifaceted. While much

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Apply Now: New ADOPT Fund Backs Farmer-Led Regenerative Innovation

Research, Soils Farmer / By Chris Fellows

Written by Chris Fellows Farmers are at the frontline of meeting environmental challenges while keeping their businesses resilient and productive. Innovation—especially farmer-led innovation—is key to moving regenerative practices forward. The ADOPT Fund is now open and aims to do exactly that. With up to £20.6 million available in 2025/26, the Accelerating Development of Practices and

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When can you have too much tilth?

Soil Health, Soils Farmer / By James Warne

Written by James Warne With zero-till the answer is probably never. The reason behind the question is that once again seed drills have been out in the field before the soil conditions are suitable. Putting seed into the ground and getting it to emerge consistently and evenly is all about seed to soil contact, and

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Farming for Nutrition: How Soil Health Shapes the Food We Eat

Research, Soils Farmer / By Direct Driller

Written by Dr. Hannah Fraser As a farmer and a medical doctor, I get to witness the intersection of agriculture, human health, and nutrition. My husband and I are organic farmers in Yorkshire, where we grow heritage and diverse population wheats, and have a keen focus on improving soil health and biodiversity. Our journey into

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Regenerative Agriculture Starts Underground

Biodiversity, Cover Crops, Research, Soils Farmer / By The Allerton Project

Written by Joe Stanley from the Allerton Project ‘I know it isn’t the sexiest subject, but…’ is invariably where any mention of agricultural field drainage begins, invariably accompanied by an apologetic shrug of the shoulders and a gaze cast toward the ground. Personally, I take the opposite view. I have always been fascinated by field

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