Building Sustainability and Efficiency at Gatley Farms

Improving sustainability and efficiency go hand-in-hand at Gatley Farms, Wigmore near Ludlow, under the management of James Oliver and his Agrii iFarm team. With 550ha of arable rotation and a 250-cow pedigree Stabiliser herd, the farm is achieving substantial all-round improvements through innovative practices.

Integrated Livestock and Cropping Practices

"Our Stabilisers thrive on permanent pasture that requires no fertiliser nitrogen and calve effortlessly," explains James. "They fit perfectly with our cropping system, contributing to silage-based bull beef and grass-fed heifer rations while recycling resources like cereal bedding and surplus potatoes for feed."

The farm also integrates cover cropping ahead of potatoes, using a mix of Westerwolds ryegrass and vetch. Half the cover is grazed by a local shepherd’s flock, and the other half is silaged for beef feeding. These practices, supported by SFI payments and environmental bonuses, enhance sustainability and soil health while reducing erosion.

Optimising Machinery and Cultivation

Ploughing remains standard ahead of potatoes, but GPS-guided tillers have eliminated extra establishment passes. The switch to Mzuri strip tillage for cereal and OSR establishment has reduced machinery, diesel, and labour costs while improving soil resilience. "The strip-tilled ground typically allows travelling a week earlier in the spring," notes agronomist Ben Burgess.

Recent machinery upgrades, such as a John Deere Hillmaster combine with Draper-style header, have also improved crop flow, reduced losses, and provided cleaner samples while minimising soil compaction.

Innovative SFI Practices

The farm is leveraging several SFI options for added value with minimal disruption, including:

• Multi-species cover crops (SAM2) ahead of potatoes.
• Herbal leys (SAM3) for temporary grassland.
• Low-input grassland (LIG1) for less suitable pastures.
• Winter bird food (ALH2) and grass field areas (ALH3) on marginal land.

Local Research and Trials

As an Agrii iFarm, Gatley Farms hosts extensive wheat variety and disease management trials. "These trials help us choose suitable varieties and optimise biostimulants alongside conventional crop protection," says James. "The tussock trials are especially valuable for identifying varieties needing yellow rust care, which is crucial as we consider growing more quality wheat."

Looking to the Future

"Progress for us is about using the best local research to enhance our productivity," James concludes. "We are also diversifying into peony-growing for the cut flower market, exploring new opportunities beyond traditional farming."

Join the iFarm Open Day

Growers across the West Midlands and Borders can see Gatley Farms’ progress and the latest trial results at the iFarm Open Day. Check our Events listings for details.