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Kent farmer Richard Day is leveraging his adoption of direct drilling and precision fertiliser techniques to secure over 40% of his previous farm subsidy under new environmental schemes without any additional expenses. Over the past seven years, he has successfully implemented these methods across nearly 500ha of cash crops, making him eligible for payments under the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) program.
Under the SFI 2024 scheme, Day stands to receive £100/ha each year, helping to offset the reduction of the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) which phased out by 2028. By integrating practices like direct drilling and precision fertiliser application into his farming system, Day is not only securing financial support but also improving Sustainability, soil health, and weed control on his farm.
With a diverse range of soils on his 650ha arable land, Day has achieved impressive yields of over 10t/ha of milling wheat using direct drilling. By adhering to these sustainable practices, he has not only maximized crop productivity but also exceeded industry standards for milling wheat quality.
Looking ahead, Day is exploring new opportunities such as companion cropping to further enhance his farming practices. By strategically incorporating companion crops like linseed into his winter wheat fields, he aims to improve soil structure, weed control, and overall crop resilience.
In addition to his SFI initiatives, Day is also leveraging his existing Countryside Stewardship agreements to maximize financial returns and environmental benefits on his farm. By carefully selecting options like legume fallow and cover crops, he is diversifying his income streams while promoting biodiversity and soil health.
By taking a proactive and strategic approach to environmental schemes, Day is not only securing his farm’s financial future but also contributing to sustainable agriculture practices in Kent. With a focus on Innovation, efficiency, and environmental stewardship, he is setting a positive example for the farming community.
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SOURCE
Maria Sanchez completed her Bachelor’s degree in Plant Sciences from the University of California, Davis, in the USA. Her studies focused on plant genetics and biotechnology, with an emphasis on developing disease-resistant crop varieties. Maria has contributed to several research projects aimed at improving crop resilience to climate change and is now pursuing her Master’s degree in Plant Breeding.
