Real Results Grower: James Forrest
Mowness Hall, Forrest Farms Ltd., Stonham
As part of Forrest Farms Ltd, James farms over 1600ha, covering a wide rotation of winter wheat, spring barley, spring beans, spring oats, rye grass for seed, oilseed rape, sugar beet, parsley and maize. A heard of Red Poll cattle complement the arable cropping. The soil type varies from light land through to heavy clay.
James farms for the long term by doing what’s right for the land and looking after the soil. He believes he’s a custodian and wants to leave Forrest Farms in a better place for the next generation. Being reluctant to consider any individual crop in isolation, crops are considered within the context of the whole rotation, ‘one good crop follows another’.
Being involved in the Real Results Circle and by hosting the demo site has allowed James and his agronomist to see how different varieties preform in similar soil types and climatic conditions, informing some of the farm’s decision making.
About James
James studied at Writtle College before returning to the family farm in Suffolk. In addition to the home farm, James has long standing contract farming agreements which brings the area he manages to just over 1,600ha. James is passionate about knowledge transfer, and volunteers for the benefit of his local farming community. For example, he sits on the board of Felix Cobbold Trust which aims to provide the means to improve agricultural development and hosts trial days for the farming co-operative, Fram Farmers. In his spare time, James does a little shooting and renovates classic tractors.
Passionate about providing opportunities for the next generation, James’ team regularly includes students from the local college as well as experienced professionals, some of which have been with James for over 30 years.
What are you doing to ensure your farming operation remains sustainable and resilient for the future?
“Sustainability and resilience are about maximising return on investment in every sense.
“We look after the soil, grow a diverse range of crops and take a long-term approach. I don’t chase margins of individual crops, but look at the rotation on a rolling basis.”
“Recently we’ve been looking at ways to reduce costs while maintaining outputs…particularly on cultivations. Last year was the first year we’d not ploughed in my lifetime.”
How is IPM integrated into your farming operation?
“This a big question. I don’t like using insecticides, unless I have to. When we do, we stick to best practice, but the ideal scenario is where genetics bring inherent resilience to crops.
“We’ve put a lot of hard work into the home farm to keep it free of black-grass. Other land in our care, has had issues - especially those that have had short rotations and poor drainage. Where that’s the case we’ve done spring cropping for a few years – it enables us to used stale seedbeds extensively, getting three, sometime four, flushes before the crop goes in. We’ve even put some land into grass for a few years. When it comes to black-grass you’ve got to be bold.”
What most excites you about the future of farming and agriculture?
“Farming continues to be challenging, particularly with the volatility that we’ve experienced in the last couple of years. Long-term, there will be opportunities after all, people need to eat 2-3 times a day.
“Advances in technology, including genetics, will hopefully help us to meet some of our challenges.
“The idea that all the time, energy and effort I’ve invested in the land and the business, has not just been worthwhile in its own right, but will benefit my son - who’s interested in farming - is very satisfying.” “We’re constantly fine-tuning and developing with the aim of being a profitable progressive business.”
Why farming is the Biggest Job on Earth?
“There are so many things you can live without. But food isn’t one of them. Being a farmer is purposeful…growing food and being trusted to look after the land.”