Cropping includes winter wheat, winter barley, winter and spring beans, and oilseed rape. And any stubbles destined for spring-sown crops play host to cover crops, with the Partnership focused on improving soil health and biodiversity across its varied soil types.
Through local dealer C&O Tractors, the Partnership uses a 5m Qualidisc cultivator and 6m ts drill for establishment, with an Exacta TL GEOSPREAD and iXtrack T3 trailed sprayer delivering on crop care.
The majority of the farm is now subsoiled ahead of one or two passes with the Qualidisc, followed by drilling, and rolling. And a six-furrow LB plough offers a full reset when timing and chemistry become less effective against grass weed control.
Having equipment choices allows the Partnership to remain sympathetic to the soil’s needs and its structure, which includes minimising and alleviating compaction.
According to the Partnership, the ts drill is proving a great all-rounder. It works across a variety of seedbed conditions, and with most seed types. At speeds of around 16kph, output is a comfortable 80 acres per day,
With ISOBUS connectivity and auto start-stop on the drill, plus section control on the sprayer and fertiliser spreader, inputs are managed with precision.
Soils have been sampled and the whole farm is now mapped. The Partnership is also using variable rate maps for seeding and spreading, in a bid to even-up the poorer areas in each field.
As soils improve, the Partnership has the ability to vary its processes through the versatility of its equipment, to make the most of any additional yield potential as it seeks higher gross margins.
