The Importance of Sustainability in Modern Farming
Sustainable Farming Practices and Crop Rotation at Cotswold Gold is at the core of Cotswold Gold’s farming practices.
Charlie Beldam, explains, that sustainable farming practices aren’t just about using eco-friendly methods; it’s about creating a balanced, productive system. “What we do is grow wheat, rapeseed, beans, and linseed in a sustainable crop rotation. This helps us manage the soil, prevent disease, and keep pests at bay.”
Sustainable Crop Rotation: A Key to Healthy Soil and Productive Crops
Sustainable farming practises and crop rotation are essential for maintaining soil health and ensuring the best yields. “Using crop rotation ensures it gives the next crop the best opportunity to thrive.” Charlie continues, “Rapeseed plays a crucial role in this system by not only helping prevent disease and pests from establishing, but by contributing to the soil’s structure.”
By planting rapeseed as part of the crop rotation, Charlie ensures that the soil remains healthy and fertile for future crops. The deep roots of rapeseed help aerate the soil, improving its texture and making it easier for future crops to grow.
Minimising Waste: Recycling Plant Material for Sustainability
At Cotswold Gold, nothing goes to waste. As soons as the rapeseed is harvested, the little black seeds are extracted and crushed in the factory to create rapeseed oil. But the sustainability efforts don’t stop there, the crushed seed pods are turned into cattle meal, nothing is wasted.
“The rest of the rapeseed plant is fed back into the soil.” Charlie explains. “Following the harvest, the rapeseed plant is smashed up and spread across the field. It will break down and enrich the soil.”
This process contributes to the organic matter in the soil, preparing it for the next crop in the rotation, which in this case will be wheat.
Harvesting the rapeseed and putting the rest of the plant back into the soil
The Role of Rapeseed in Supporting Wheat Production
The sustainable crop rotation involves growing milling wheat, which is used to produce high-quality bread. “We are always aiming for our wheat to have the best Hagberg,” says Charlie.
Hagberg is a measure of an enzyme called α-amylase, which breaks down starch molecules into sugars. This helps the bread rise and create a light, airy texture.
By ensuring that the soil is healthy and balanced, Charlie is able to produce wheat with the ideal protein levels. This ensures the flour will make great loaves of bread.
Sustainability in Action: A Cycle of Care for the Land
Above all for Charlie and the team at Cotswold Gold, sustainability is not just a buzzword; it’s a principle that guides every decision they make on the farm. By implementing sustainable farming techniques such as crop rotation, soil management, and minimising waste, they ensure that the land remains productive for future generations.
Every part of the farming process, plays a role in maintaining a healthy, sustainable farm that produces high-quality crops.
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