Apley Estate farms are now one of the AHDB Monitor Farms

Calves in the livestock trailer being put out to grass in Apley Park

On our way back from to Apley Farm Shop yesterday, we bumped into Bill turning out more calves to grass – here they are in the trailer heading down into Apley Park. Then once back at the shop, just as we were finishing off the filming for BBC Midlands Today, I met Richard Meredith & Adrian Joynt to hear the details of how Apley Estate farms have become one of the AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds Monitor Farms. The AHDB is the levy board which represents the cattle, sheep, pigs, milk, potatoes, cereals, oilseeds & horticultural industries. It looks at ways to provide English & Welsh farmers with the tools & knowledge to have sustainable & efficient farming businesses.

There is now a total of 24 in England & Wales. Each monitor farm joins the programme for a 3 year period. Through the programme Adrian Joynt, our Farm Manager, will identify the farming challenges & issues which he faces on the Apley Estate farms. The issues may include land drainage, break crops (eg oil seed rape or lupins) which are planted in the in-between years, between cereal crops, to return nutrients to the soil & stops the build-up of pests & diseases such as infestations of aphids. This is integrated farm management, using bio ethical, traditional farming methods, reducing the need for chemicals whenever possible – in exactly the same way that Phil Allen does in Apley Walled Garden.

Five times a year, there is an open invitation to all farmers – most of whom will be local, but could come from any distance – to come to meetings on different parts of the Apley Estate.

It is hoped that these meetings will provide practical solutions & support for the farmers attending to take home & develop their own businesses. They are a great way of spreading best practice among growers, because the subject areas are decided by the farmers themselves & the solutions will be tried & tested here at Apley, in real conditions & real circumstances. Our challenges here are typical of those faced by farmers local to Apley. AHDB Regional Manager, Richard Meredith will ensure that up to date & relevant industry expertise is available to the group at the meetings.