Innovative Farmers is a not for profit network giving farmers research support and funding on their own terms. Groups of farmers come together for practical ‘field labs’, carrying out hands-on research on topics such as weed control, animal welfare and disease resistance. Discover more via the online portal.
The final report for Innovative Farmers field lab trials which aimed to determine the impacts of living mulches on cash crop yields and weed composition.
resourceThis webinar (part of the 2021 Northern Real Farming Conference and hosted by the Soil Association) explores growing a low growing permanent cover crop such as small white clover to help shade out weeds and provide fertility for the rotation.
resourceDetails of planting designs for 3 contrasting farms in Devon who are taking part in a long-term field lab trial to help justify financial commitment to turn pasture over to silvopasture.
resourceA video featuring a grower taking part in an Innovative Farmers field lab that is exploring alternatives to using plastic mulches.
resourceFinal report from a field lab that looked at opportunities for intercropping to provide more efficient resource use, reduced pest and disease pressure, and better weed competition.
resourceThis is part 1 and 2 of a collaborative 2-part series of virtual events exploring establishment, management, soil health, grazing and ensiling in relation to herbal leys.
resourceIntercropping offers the potential for more efficient resource utilisation, reducing pest and disease pressure and better competition with weeds. This is a recording of an event co-ordinated by Agricology, Innovative Farmers and the ORC that was held as a virtual alternative to a field lab meeting.
resourceIntercropping cereals and pulses can have a beneficial impact on a number of factors including weed control and harvestability. This trial at the University of Reading Crop Research Centre in 2018/19 compared intercrops of beans and triticale to monocrop comparisons in spring and winter sown crops, looking at the impact on weed control, lodging and yield.
reserach_trialOne of a series of Innovative Farmers films shining a light on a field lab - this one focuses on reducing antibiotics in dairy farming.
resourceOne of a series of Innovative Farmers films shining a light on a field lab - this one focuses on hot water seed treatment.
resourceOne of a series of Innovative Farmers films shining a light on a field lab - this one focuses on no till and cover crop farming.
resourceVideo footage filmed at the Oxford Real Farming Conference (ORFC) 2019 of Andy Howard of Bockhanger Farms discussing the potential of 'plant teams' in theory and practice.
resourcePotatoes grown in the UK are at risk from 26 different diseases. It is vital therefore to investigate methods and varieties that reduce the cost...
blogA useful note produced as part of an Innovative Farmers field lab, which focuses on the lifecycle of leatherjackets and outlines some of the management and biological control options.
resource Improve your understanding of how to use green manures and the many potential ways in which they can benefit your farm business with this audio visual guide.
resource Farmers working to develop a procedure to help effectively identify and treat mastitis, through an innovative field lab.
resource Some pointers on how you can use trees to improve your farm land and farm management.
resource Interesting insights from a trial evaluating the use of woodchip compost as a viable peat-free growing media for growers.
resource Practical guidance produced from a Scottish field lab to help manage and control field rushes and improve swards and livestock productivity.
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