Members projects

Christophe Guerton’s farm in the region of Autruy-Sur-Juine covers 195 hectares. The main rotation over the chalky clay soils is winter wheat, barley and oil seed rape, peas and carrots which are grown for seed. The farm is a member of the Arvalis Charter farm assurance scheme, which ensures that guidelines are independently inspected and verified by a third
party. It is also a member of the integrated farming Exploitation Qualifiee scheme - a holistic approach to farm
management, enhancing the positive impacts of agricultural practices on the environment and reducing any undesirable results, without adversely affecting the economics of the
business. The requirements cover record keeping, fertiliser storage and applications, crop rotations and pesticide storage (along with justification for use). Other aspects cover protecting the landscape and maintaining biodiversity on the farm.

1) Soil testing and fertilisation

The farm carries out soil testing for Phosphate, Potash, Magnesium and pH on all the fields every five years. The soil test reports provide information influencing annual fertiliser
recommendations which maximise yields and returns, whilst avoiding wasting time and money with over-application and minimising environmental pollution. The farm also undertakes routine annual soil testing for nitrogen concentrations, enabling the farm to calculate an application programme which meets the demands of the plant. The next step in nitrogen planning is the testing of wheat plant tissue which is sent for nitrogen analysis in order to calculat the best application rate. The nitrogen level in the plant is crucial as it directly affects the protein levels in the grain, which are vital if the grain is to be of milling quality. Finally, the farm applies liquid sulphur to the growing crop, as this element is an integral part of the plants proteins, and deficiency results in poor crop growth and quality.

2) Air cooling grain

Air cooling grain is easily the most simple and effective way of controlling insect activity within stored grain. The farm’s wheat is stored in six round bins with a 600 tonne capacity. Once the grain is harvested and any necessary cleaning
and conditioning has been carried out, the first temperature target is to cool the grain to below 20ºC and then below 15ºC. Temperatures below 15ºC prevent the saw-toothed grain
beetle from developing, which is one of the most serious bulk grain storage pests, as well as the growth of moulds which may produce mycotoxins.

2) Equipment callibration and use

The farm tests its sprayers every 3 years so as to ensure that they work efficiency and accurately, ultimately leading to improved environmental protection and economic benefit to the business. The farm’s fertiliser spreader has a headland kit to avoid spreading fertiliser into the field margins and hedges when working on the field perimeters. This is extremely important as this fertiliser may find its way into areas where it is not required (wasteful) or may potentially cause environmental pollution. Once spraying has been completed, a small amount of water is placed back into the sprayer and circulated around the system. These washings are then sprayed back onto the treated fieldso as to reduce the risk of any environmental impact.

3) Pesticide storage

The farm has a purpose-built pesticide store situated near to the machinery shed, which allows easy access and delivery of
products while also being close to the point of use. The store is constructed of metal to resist fire and contain any spillages that may inadvertently occur, and has one securd entry door. It is insulated and heated with rows of bunded shelves available for storage, and the integral floor is also bunded.

4) Nature and community

The farm is part of the Natura 2000 network which is an EU initiative committed to the protection of biodiversity. The farm is also involved in an organised litter pick and clean up of the local and surrounding areas with other likeminded farmers. This goodwill expressed by the farming community has tangible (as the area is visually cleaner) and intangible (by community engagement and spirit) benefits.