Investing in Soil Health and Regenerative Agriculture - with Jake Freestone

Jake Freestone, farm manager at Overbury Farms, discusses the history and operations of the farm, as well as his journey in agriculture. Overbury Farms is a diverse estate and farming business that follows regenerative farming principles. Jake emphasizes the importance of investing in the next generation of farmers and the challenges of finding and retaining good people. He also talks about his Nuffield scholarship on breaking the wheat yield plateau in the UK and the role of soil health in increasing yields and improving the environmental profile of the farm. Jake emphasizes the importance of investing in soil health and improving soil function through practices like cover cropping and returning crop residue. He discusses the need to keep fields covered and graze cover crops with livestock to enhance soil health and resilience. Jake also highlights the work of the Green Farm Collective in promoting regenerative agriculture and ensuring fair value for farmers. He emphasizes the importance of effective communication to combat misinformation and educate the public about farming practices. Jake shares his optimism for the future, acknowledging the challenges ahead but also the opportunities for growth and adaptation.

Takeaways

• Overbury Farms is a diverse estate and farming business that follows regenerative farming principles.
• Investing in the next generation of farmers is crucial for the future of agriculture.
• Improving soil health is key to increasing yields and improving the environmental profile of the farm.
• Finding and retaining good people is a challenge in the current labor market.
• Jake's Nuffield scholarship focused on breaking the wheat yield plateau in the UK. Investing in soil health is crucial for improving soil function and resilience.
• Keeping fields covered and grazing cover crops with livestock enhances soil health.
• The Green Farm Collective promotes regenerative agriculture and fair value for farmers.
• Effective communication is essential to combat misinformation and educate the public about farming practices.
• The future presents both challenges and opportunities for growth and adaptation in agriculture.

Image credit: Jake Freestone

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About Ben and  RuralPod Media

Ben Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk

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