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A Farming History

Writer's picture: Tony GentTony Gent

The demand for food production during World War II undeniably drove the intensification of arable crop production in our part of the Fens. Before this era, pastures were primarily used for grazing animals, and fields were worked with horses and early tractors. The high levels of organic matter in the soil made ploughing relatively straightforward, even on the heavier, clay-based soils farther from the villages. Initial inversion movements released stored fertility, enabling robust crop growth with minimal need for additional nutrients and little competition from weeds.


Post-War Farming Practices


In the 1950s and early 1960s, crop rotations were diverse and balanced. Farmers grew cereals as break crops alongside potatoes, sugar beet, peas, beans, and strawberries as cash crops. Fodder crops supported yarded livestock enterprises, with cattle and pigs fattened on-site. This system returned nutrients to the soil through manure from cattle yards and pigsties. Many small farms were largely self-sufficient, with hens for eggs, a cow for milk, pigs or cattle for meat, and vegetable gardens.


Declining Soil Fertility


By the late 1960s and 1970s, as my farming career began, it became clear that the natural fertility of the soil was diminishing. Soils became harder to work, and problem weeds such as twitch, wild oats, and later, black grass, became prevalent. More powerful tractors were introduced to address these challenges, particularly on heavier soils. Metal track caterpillar tractors gained popularity for their efficient power-to-soil capabilities and lighter footprint. Tools like reciprocating harrows and rotary power harrows were used to force degraded soil into seed beds. Simultaneously, the use of chemical crop protection surged, with herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and harsh chemicals for crop desiccation becoming standard.


Modernisation and Mono-culture


Through the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s, farms grew much larger, machinery became more complex, and mono culture practices took hold. Cereals and oilseed rape became dominant cash crops, with many farms adopting a narrow rotation of two winter wheat crops followed by winter oilseed rape. The absence of livestock meant nutrients were replaced with artificial fertilisers. Cultivations became faster and more intensive, but degraded soils became increasingly expensive and difficult to manage, with weed control reliant on contact herbicides.


Advances in technology and crop breeding during this period improved yields. New crop varieties emphasised grain production over straw, resisted fungal diseases, and matured earlier. Membership in the EU led to oversupply, prompting the establishment of intervention stores where surplus crops were bought and stored by the government. However, this system drew criticism when surplus crops were offloaded to third-world countries, creating public outcry.


Policy Shifts and Environmental Focus


In response, a set-aside policy was introduced, requiring farmers to leave up to 20% of their land fallow under strict regulations. This was later replaced with direct payments tied to land area, regardless of crop production. With the rising global population, climate change, and increased purchasing power in developing countries, set-aside policies were eventually phased out in favour of direct support for specific crops. Post-Brexit, these direct payments are being replaced by schemes emphasising environmental benefits and reduced tillage under the umbrella of "Regenerative Farming."


Challenges and the Need for Change


Today, farmers face significant challenges: economic pressures, climate change, soil degradation, chemical resistance, and the loss of government support. Labour shortages, rising costs, and the complexity of modern operations further exacerbate these difficulties. Recognising the unsustainable trajectory of modern farming, a few of us began exploring alternative approaches. We drew inspiration from countries like the United States, New Zealand, and Argentina, which had faced and addressed similar challenges.


Lessons from Regenerative Practices


It became evident that soil degradation stemmed from modern farming practices that disrupted natural biology. While technological advancements temporarily replaced natural processes, they failed to work with nature sustainably. Key lessons include:

  1. Minimal Soil Disturbance: Soil does not need to be mechanically inverted or aggressively cultivated to grow crops. Natural soil structures, maintained by worms, microbes, and other organisms, are better left undisturbed.

  2. Plant Cover and Diversity: Plants are essential for soil health, capturing carbon through their leaves and supporting vital root systems. Bare soil should be avoided, and diverse rotations or mixed-species cropping should be practised. Cover crops between cash crops help maintain soil health.

  3. Natural Nutrient Sources: Whenever possible, nutrient needs should be met through organic matter, legumes, and animal waste. The use of synthetic fertilisers, such as ammonium nitrate, should be minimised to prevent soil addiction and degradation.

By adopting these principles, we can restore soil health, achieve carbon neutrality, and sustain robust crop and livestock production. This shift toward regenerative farming is essential for creating a sustainable future in agriculture.


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