- Location
- Essex
The science behind the Sustainable Farming Incentive – Farming
Updates from Defra's Farming and Countryside Programme
defrafarming.blog.gov.uk
The science behind the Sustainable Farming Incentive
- Thread starter Humble Village Farmer
- Start date
defrafarming.blog.gov.uk
- Location
- Darlington
What a load of drival. Where do we get this STABLE weather from, Most Farmers for the last 8,000 plus years have been endevouring to improve their soils.
Apparently civil servants think us current farmers are a load of cluless morons. Whilst we KNOW it is the civil servants who are.
Apparently civil servants think us current farmers are a load of cluless morons. Whilst we KNOW it is the civil servants who are.
- Location
- Yorks
I've no problem with DEFRA wanting to encourage cover cropping, OM additions, various other SFI incentivesThe science behind the Sustainable Farming Incentive – Farming
Updates from Defra's Farming and Countryside Programme
They just seem to be a little out of touch with reality when it comes to paying for it.
They also need to understand we can't compete with cheap imports when we've higher production standards, and are now losing BPS which was helping plug that gap.
We wouldn't mind if those asking for good production standards (DEFRA, NE, EA, food processors/ retailers), would pay a decent price for what we produce. DERFRA/ government can help us with this. Groceries Code Adjudicator with proper teeth. And DEFRA provide us help with marketing organisation.
- Location
- Durham, UK
sh!t a brick thats where iv been going wrong all that cattle and pig muck iv tipped into the nearest river over the years, well i should have been putting it onto my fields instead.
I diddnt realise that worm activity and soil structure is important........oh what a fool iv been i shall take this advice from the experts at defra claim the wonderfull sfi money and promptly make my fortune.
What would we do without their advice as we are clearly all thick country bumpkins that cant even tie their shoe laces.
I diddnt realise that worm activity and soil structure is important........oh what a fool iv been i shall take this advice from the experts at defra claim the wonderfull sfi money and promptly make my fortune.
What would we do without their advice as we are clearly all thick country bumpkins that cant even tie their shoe laces.
- Location
- Essex
You must be unusual then, as clearly not all farmers understand the science or they wouldn't have needed to dream up the "incentives" in the first place.
- Location
- North Somerset.
With the wettest March I can remember how will those that have cover crops in wanting to spray off and drill, cope with the deluge under the scheme while still trying to make a profit?
As someone who has been part of the Defra on the SFI (Sustainable Farming Initiative), I must admit that it can be challenging to navigate the competitive landscape. However, I choose to focus on the positive aspects and find ways to thrive despite the obstacles. While I understand that some may feel patronized by the language used, I see it as an opportunity to improve and contribute my insights. In the real world, I have witnessed fellow farmers taking innovative measures, such as ploughing up grass and margins, to make the most out of their resources. It's inspiring to see the resilience and determination of farmers in the face of challenges.
Ploughing up permanent pasture, it's the future. 
Are you a Janetbot ?
- Location
- Devon
Please expand. I'd love to know more of your thoughts and experiences of SFI.
Joined 50 minutes ago and it seems as if English is not their first language. A mixed farmer? Really?
- Location
- Durham, UK
One or two commenting on twatter that janets gone completley to ground, like the scarlett pimpernell
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what?
Being part of SFI has allowed me to witness firsthand the resilience and determination of fellow farmers who are taking innovative measures to make the most out of their resources.
One aspect that some may feel patronized by is the language used in SFI. However, I see it as an opportunity to improve and contribute my insights. I believe that by actively participating in initiatives like SFI, I can play a role in shaping the sustainable farming practices of the future.
In the real world, I have seen fellow farmers take inspiring measures, such as ploughing up grass and margins, to maximize their resources. These innovative approaches have not only helped improve their own farms but also contribute to the overall sustainability of the farming industry.
SFI has also provided me with a platform to learn from experts in the field and exchange ideas with fellow farmers. It's been a valuable opportunity to expand my knowledge and gain insights into best practices for sustainable farming.
Despite the challenges and competition, I remain optimistic about the future of farming through initiatives like SFI. It's heartening to see the dedication and determination of farmers who are willing to adapt and innovate in the face of challenges. Together, we can continue to drive positive change in the farming industry and contribute to a more sustainable future for generations to come.
I'd love to hear from other farmers who have participated in SFI or similar initiatives. What are your thoughts and experiences? How do you navigate the challenges and stay positive?
- Location
- Durham, UK
Yes, really. He left out using smokey old Fords, but he's on the right track.
The era of collecting dole money for planting weeds, poncy no till drills, and tractors with woofty electric spools is over.
Bring back the hedge plough.
Bring back proper farming. 
Dig for victory. The nation needs us, even if they don't know it yet.
- Location
- The North
That's the strangest post ever, ploughing up grass margins also seems contrary to everything i would believe it stands for, i will crack on and pull out some hedge rows and pipe in all the streams so i have even more crop-able land?
it reads like a script?
Im sorry if your a real farmer than I'm the Easter bunny
it reads like a script?
Im sorry if your a real farmer than I'm the Easter bunny
- Location
- Yorkshire North bit
I'm in sfi pilot. Payments are shite not for the small producer in my opinion as always aimed at the big boys. When pilot finishes not sure where I will stand but not impressed
Bramble
Member
I’m really confused - on one hand we are being told that regen farming is the future, utilise animal manures more efficiently, build soil OM etc etc. Yet the same government department is telling us methane emissions are the root of all evil, it’s really the cows causing global warming, and insinuating farms shouldn’t have animals on them.
Is it just me or have I got the wrong end of the stick regarding DEFRA’s ambitions for the future of U.K. ag?
Is it just me or have I got the wrong end of the stick regarding DEFRA’s ambitions for the future of U.K. ag?