Three Generations, One Farm, and a Future: 2025 Roundup

Thomas Gent
2 days ago
3 min read

There is a certain weight to standing in a field that your dad and granddad have both walked, worked, and worried over.

When I look back at 2025, that sense of "legacy" has been the underlying theme of everything we’ve done at Gentle Farming. It hasn't just been about hitting yield targets or navigating policy shifts; it’s been about honouring the 17-year journey we’ve been on as a family since we first put the plough away in 2008.

As we close the gate on 2025 and look toward 2026, I wanted to share a few reflections on where we’ve been and, more importantly, where we are going.

2025: The Year of Scaling Impact

If 2024 was about proof of concept, 2025 was the year the concept took flight. We’ve moved beyond just talking about regenerative agriculture and started proving how it can fundamentally reshape the food supply chain.

From Soil to Mouth (The Huel Partnership): One of my proudest moments this year was launching our partnership with Huel. Seeing our regeneratively grown oats reach a global community of health-conscious consumers was a full-circle moment. It proved that the market is finally catching up to the work we’ve been doing in South Lincolnshire for nearly two decades.
Opening the Farm Gate (Pitch Up): This year, we launched our collaboration with Pitch Up, an initiative to welcome rural entrepreneurs onto farming estates. I’ve always said that farmers can’t be experts in everything. By opening our farm to new ideas we are building a more resilient, diverse ecosystem that goes far beyond traditional cropping.
The 2025 Harvest: Despite the ever-present challenge of UK weather, our 2025 winter wheat hit an average over 10 t/ha. More importantly, we did it with 25% lower costs than conventional systems and continued to sequester roughly two tonnes of carbon per hectare. It’s proof that "Gentle Farming" isn't just a nice sentiment, it’s a profitable, high-performing reality.

The Legacy of Three Generations

My grandfather, Tony, is an inventor who designed the drills when the industry didn't have the tools needed. My father, Edward, is the pioneer who had the courage to stop ploughing when everyone else thought he was crazy.

Reflecting on my recent LinkedIn post, I realise that my role in this third generation is different. My job is to build the bridge. I’m bridging the gap between the soil and the boardroom, between the farm and the consumer, and between traditional wisdom and the digital tools of tomorrow.

Looking Ahead: What’s in Store for 2026?

If 2025 was about growth, 2026 is about connection. Here is what I’m focusing on for the year ahead:

The "Climate Hero" Narrative: I want to help more farmers realise they aren't just food producers; they are climate solution providers. Through my work with Agreena and Gentle Farming, I’ll be pushing for more transparency and better rewards for the environmental "stacking" we do every day.
Agroforestry & Collaboration: I’m incredibly excited about the potential for an agroforestry co-operative. Integrating trees and livestock back into arable landscapes is the next frontier of regeneration, and I want to help build the infrastructure to make that viable for all.
Building the "Gentle" Community: Whether it’s through our farm tours or new digital content, I want to make regenerative farming less intimidating. We need to move away from "all or nothing" mindsets and toward a "start small, learn fast" culture.

Final Thoughts

Farming is a long game. The soil doesn’t change overnight, and neither does an industry. But standing here today, looking at the data from 2025 and the opportunities of 2026, I’ve never been more optimistic.

To everyone who has partnered with us, bought our produce, or simply followed our journey—thank you for being part of the future of this farm.

Let’s see what we can grow in 2026. — Thomas Gent