Assuming his role at Gatley Estate in Leominster, Herefordshire, in 2020, just before the onset of the Covid-19 lockdown, James Oliver prioritises efficiency in his management approach. This efficiency aims to sustain the estate's support for its staff, their families, and its own development.

Farm Management Efficiency Amidst Covid-19:

Situated amidst diverse landscapes, the estate traditionally engages in mixed farming practices, encompassing arable cropping, grassland, forestry, and a suckler beef herd, primarily of the Stabiliser breed.

Central to the rotation is potatoes, cultivated one in every six years, primarily for processing. The cattle, raised on grass and supplemented with Total Mixed Ration (TMR), also consume stockfeed potatoes, fostering a circular system, as described by James Oliver.

Traditional Mixed Farming Practices:

Implementing changes upon assuming his role, James opted to disperse the 1200-head sheep flock and increase the number of cattle. He explains that integrating cows into the arable system is beneficial, as farmyard manure serves as an excellent soil conditioner before planting potatoes.

Operational Adjustments:

Cover crops play a pivotal role in James's strategy to maintain potato viability. Utilising a mix of Westerwolds ryegrass and vetch, half of the cover crop is harvested for silage, supporting the cattle, while the remainder provides grazing for contract sheep.

James underscores the benefits of cover crops in preserving soil integrity, particularly on fields prone to erosion due to steep gradients and silty-clay-loam soils.

Role of Cover Crops in Soil Preservation:

Moreover, James adopted strip-till techniques, transitioning away from conventional ploughing, with the introduction of a Mzuri system. This change aims to mitigate soil compaction, reduce diesel consumption, and enhance soil health, particularly beneficial given the estate's silty soil composition.

Transition to Strip-Till Techniques:

Investing in suitable equipment, such as a John Deere Hillmaster combine, further enhances operational efficiency. The combine's adaptability to steep terrains and reduced losses translate into improved productivity and reduced volunteer crops in subsequent rotations.

Investment in Equipment and Technological Advancements:

While embracing technological advancements in machinery, James maintains a conventional approach to crop inputs, supplementing with newer technologies such as biostimulants. These practices support plant health and resilience, particularly in non-irrigated potato fields.

Ongoing Challenges and Diversification Efforts:

Challenges persist, notably with pest management, particularly deer populations impacting forestry and arable areas, alongside concerns regarding bovine tuberculosis in cattle. Finding skilled and committed staff also poses a continual challenge, although James acknowledges the dedication of the current team.

Diversification efforts, such as cultivating peonies for the cut flower market, represent a promising venture for the estate. Leveraging existing potato equipment minimises risk, while plans for a display garden aim to further enhance the estate's appeal.

Incorporating Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) measures across various aspects of operations underscores the estate's commitment to sustainable practices. James emphasises the feasibility and returns of these actions, with future plans to incorporate variable rate technologies for enhanced efficiency.

James Oliver's stewardship at Gatley Estate exemplifies a holistic approach to sustainable agriculture, balancing traditional practices with innovative solutions to ensure the long-term viability of the operation.