Wantage Monitor Farm revisited: Ten years on, where are we now?

Nearly a decade after the Wantage Monitor Farm Programme concluded at Hendred Estates, join Julian Gold for a reflection on the changes, decisions and lessons that have shaped the farm business since, with supporting analysis. 

Julian's willingness to openly discuss the decisions that have shaped the farm business promises an informative and educational meeting. Key topics for discussion include:

Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI): what has worked and what has not?

• The SOH1 (full direct drilling) numbers
• The mixed results of replacing Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) with SFI

Regenerative agriculture: pain or profit?

• The impact on yields and profitability

Machinery: how many drills in the shed?

• Machinery costs as a recurring theme
• Ownership versus running costs, depreciation strategies and the total cost of field operations

Farm business structure: shapeshifting for profitability

• Losing tenancies, gaining contract farms and in-house farms
• Growing acres and creating economies of scale

BASIS and NRoSO points are available for attendees. Refreshments will be served on arrival, followed by a buffet lunch.

David Hunter
Senior Knowledge Exchange Manager - National Engagement - Cereals & Oilseeds