Soil Farmer of the Year farm walk – 2nd place – Richard Anthony

Part of our 2023 SFOTY farm walks series

Soil management is central to operations at R&L Anthony Ltd. Based near Bridgend in South Wales, the arable farming operation has grown to encompass a vast variety of soil types and conditions, with the associated challenges of staying profitable whilst minimising environmental impact. The rotation encompasses combinable crops alongside forage production, utilising cover crops and integrated management to maximise soil health and carbon capture. Richard hosts a vast selection of trials at the farm, including different varieties of cover crops and the national trial list for combinable cropping; cover and companion crops are central to the arable operation, used to improve drainage, scavenge nutrients and reduce fuel usage through improving soil structure. Through continuously refining the management system Richard has halved fungicide use, eliminated insecticides and hugely reduced the fertiliser requirement through managing the soil to keep the biology working.

The farm walk will begin at 13:00 and will provide an opportunity to further hear and see how Richard’s management strategy has benefitted his business, leading him to be awarded Second Place in this year’s Soil Farmer of the Year competition.

The event will take place outside, please wear suitable clothing and footwear. Light refreshments will be provided.

To book:

To book your free place on this walk please head to the eventbrite page here and reserve a spot!

Richard Anthony (2nd place, centre), alongside Bronagh O’Kane (3rd place, left) and Stuart Johnson (winner, right) at the announcement of the SFOTY competition winners at Groundswell Agriculture 2023.

Other SFOTY farm walks:

Keep an eye out for news of Bronagh and Stuart’s farm walks on our events page here.