As we bring you Issue 35 of Direct Driller, we also mark a significant milestone in our journey. For the past three-and-a-half years, since Issue 17 in April 2022, we have had the immense privilege of partnering with Trinity AgTech as our main sponsor. Now, as we bid them a heartfelt farewell, we want to …
A heartfelt thank you to Trinity AgTech and a warm welcome to Lloyds Read More »
Written by Chris Fellows after reading Caroline Grindrod’s latest regen report The term “regenerative agriculture” is everywhere, but what does it truly mean? As corporate giants and grassroots farmers rally behind the term, we are seeing a great divergence, a split that will define the future of our food system. Regenerative agriculture has captured the …
Regenerative Agriculture: Are We Heading for a Great Divide? Read More »
January 2026. Time for a review and plan for the future So, a new year! Time to reflect, take stock and plan for the future?! Well, when Chris asks for an article I always say yes then think “What on earth have I done that’s remotely interesting?” Having just reread my last article, it does …
Resilience is a popular goal for politicians, big business and also farming. The 2026 Oxford Farming Conference (OFC) had the title ‘Growing Resilience’ and was led by Jude McCann whose day job with the Farming Community Network gives him a ring-side seat at the problems of our industry. He has seen a procession of ministers …
From continuous cereals to growing multiple crops using no-till and other regenerative farming techniques, a group of Kenyan farms have made big strides in the past 15 years Written by Mike Abram I’m standing in a farmyard next to a Horizon disc drill, discussing how the farm is getting on with using it in its …
How large-scale arable farms in Kenya are embracing regen principles Read More »
Jan 2026 Late winter is a natural pause point on our farm which grows predominantly combinable crops. Most of the decisions that mattered were made months ago, the crops are either in or they aren’t, and the consequences are starting to show themselves. It’s also when the background pressures feel loudest, because the work rate …
The Silent System Beneath Your Boots Written by Hugh Goldsworthy, Farm Landscape Contractor and Independent Soil Researcher If you have never heard of quorum sensing, do not worry, you are not alone. Ask a room full of farmers or soil scientists about it and many/if not most, will not have heard of it either. But …
Quorum Sensing: The Soil Network Hiding in Plain Sight Read More »
Staffordshire FCN’s 30th anniversary Farmers’ Ball brought the agricultural community together for an unforgettable night, raising vital funds and highlighting the growing importance of support for farmers under pressure. Staffordshire FCN held a Farmers’ Ball on 1 November to mark their 30-year anniversary. It was attended by over 400 people who celebrated throughout the night, …
Celebration with a cause: Staffordshire FCN marks 30 years Read More »
Across climates, continents and farming systems, one thing united these Nuffield Presenting Scholars in Aberdeen: soil is no longer just a technical consideration, but a social, economic and cultural one too. From understanding why farmers change their practices, to investigating the future of peatland management, these two scholars offer complementary insights into how soil will …
Christmas time is approaching and yet another year has passed. My last piece was in June, and it was warm, it was dry, then wet, and hopes were high for the approaching harvest time. Harvest 2025 was special to me because it was the first harvest in many years that I did not drive the …
