Resilient Farming in Action: Live from the AgriiFocus Panel

Recorded live at AgriiFocus - an Agrii iFarm, at North Farm near Marlborough, Wiltshire.

Arable farming is facing an increasingly challenging environment. Improving the resilience of soils, crops and businesses is key to delivering productivity gains.

The question is: what action can you take on farm, and what technologies can you adopt?

To help you answer those questions, we have our panel:

• James Bonner, who farms in Northamptonshire
• Alan Clifton-Holt, who farms in Kent
• Ruth Mann, Head of Integrated Crop Technologies at Agrii

Innovating On Farm: Case Studies from Growers

Alan Clifton-Holt: Diversification Through Rotation

Alan farms 3,500 acres on the Romney Marsh in Kent and has battled blackgrass for over a decade. His strategy? Widening the rotation and introducing new crops with commercial potential:

• Cover cropping to support spring cropping and suppress blackgrass
• Flax for fibre - grown and processed for linen production in France
• Mustard - tapping into new markets as French supply becomes more climate-stressed

“We're trying to pull those crops into our rotation to reduce risk, break cycles, and add resilience,” Alan explained.

James Bonner: Machinery Choices for Efficient Drilling

Farming alongside his father in Northamptonshire, James focuses on getting more out of less - particularly when it comes to machinery and soil travel.

• Upgraded from a 4m to a 6m Rapid drill to improve ground travel and reduce wheel pressure
• Modified the drill with system tines to reduce weight and improve drilling performance in wet autumns
• Split roles across older tractors for low-tech jobs and newer machines for precision applications

“Just because something worked last year doesn’t mean it’s right this year,” James added, highlighting the importance of constantly re-evaluating machinery set-ups.

Technology for Resilient Nutrient Use

Ruth Mann: Smarter Nitrogen Applications Through Sensors and Satellites

Ruth shared how Agrii’s innovation team is using real-world digital trials to help growers reduce nitrogen loss and improve input efficiency.

In one trial using Skippy Scout drone imagery and nitrate sensors, growers were able to:

• Reduce nitrogen application by 24%
• Cut CO₂ emissions by over 40%
• Maintain optimal nutrient availability in the crop root zone
  
  

Can’t Use Sensors? Satellite Imagery Offers Another Route

Even without field sensors, satellite data can show how inputs like liquid nitrogen with stabilisers impact crop density and biomass.

Agrii is now working with the European Space Agency to develop yield prediction and decision support models using historical and real-time crop data via the Contour platform.

Blackgrass Control with Grass and Maize Rotations

In the Q&A session, James explained how his two-year silage leys and spring maize crops have improved blackgrass control. The extended break from drilling autumn cereals interrupts the seed cycle and reduces pressure on following crops.

However, maize harvest timing can be a challenge - with late drilling windows increasing the risk of poor establishment in the autumn.

Market Access and Supply Chain Resilience

Alan discussed his access to the French flax market, where demand is increasing for both textiles and natural fibre-based composites in automotive manufacturing.

“It’s outside food and a growth sector. The whole supply chain works differently—processing can take up to two years, which levels supply into the textile industry,” he explained.

Top Tips from the Panel

James Bonner’s Tip:

“Don’t wait for problems—anticipate stress events like drought or heat and prepare with the right foliar nutrition and biostimulants. Small machinery changes can make a big difference.”

Ruth Mann’s Advice:

“Start collecting data on your nitrogen use. Even small adjustments informed by technology can reduce losses and emissions significantly.”

Alan Clifton-Holt’s Insight:

“Think beyond food crops. Look at industrial and fibre markets to diversify rotations and reduce exposure to traditional commodity risks.”

Have a question for one of our experts? Email us at info@agrii.co.uk.

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