From tradition to technology: Award-winning farmer Graham Potter leads the way in precision farming скачать в хорошем качестве

From tradition to technology: Award-winning farmer Graham Potter leads the way in precision farming

Graham Potter, a forward-thinking farmer from North Yorkshire, has been making waves in the agricultural community for his innovative approach to farming. After spending years farming in Australia, Graham returned to his roots in the UK with new insights, becoming one of the early adopters of precision farming technology. His dedication to sustainable practices earned him the prestigious Northern Farming Award in 2020. Graham runs a 200-hectare arable farm at The Grange Farm, near Thirsk, North Yorkshire, and has been an active participant in the Sustainable Landscapes programme for the past six years and is one of the lead farmers within the programme. Graham has introduced several key practices on his farm, including the use of cover crops. He first started using a unique cover crop mix—now known as the Potter mix—in 2014 and continues to incorporate it into his annual crop rotation. The benefits of these practices have been evident. "The cover crops have done a fantastic job in improving our soils," Graham shares. "Our organic matter levels are where they should be, and the soils are much healthier now." By focusing on soil health and building organic matter, Graham has seen significant improvements in his farm's overall sustainability. One of the most notable advancements on the farm has been the adoption of precision farming techniques, particularly the use of sensors to monitor and optimise inputs. Graham uses N Sensor and soil probe technology (developed by Paul Tech) to precisely determine how much nitrogen his crops need. "The sensor helps us decide when and how much nitrogen to apply, ensuring we don’t overuse it. Most years, we are saving on fertiliser costs by reducing our application rates, especially on the outer edges of the fields," Graham explains. This targeted approach not only helps to reduce costs but also minimises environmental impact by avoiding unnecessary fertiliser use. In addition to precision farming, Graham's commitment to sustainable practices extends to his straw management. "We don’t bale much straw; most of it gets chopped every year," Graham says. However, in the last season, due to financial considerations, they decided to bale all the straw. "It was mainly for income, but overall, we try to leave as much organic matter in the field as possible." With a focus on soil health, precision farming, and sustainable practices, Graham Potter is setting an example for farmers across North Yorkshire and beyond. His innovative approach to agriculture ensures that he can produce crops more efficiently while prioritising environmental stewardship—a model that many others in the industry are eager to follow. #farming #agriculture #farm #agri #sustainability #farmlife #farmer #harvest #climatechange #climate #regen #regenerativefarm #soilhealth #soiltips #technology #precision #precisionfarming #covercrops #knowledge #community