Walking Fields of Gold in Cornwall

Today we are going to be talking with Robert Stacey managing director of Rowe Farming here in Cornwall and Mike Dray, Agrii agronomist.

Today we are going to be exploring the crop of daffodils, growing both for the cut market and also bulb market, understanding what it takes to get that produce to market, also the intricacies, the complexities and the challenges.

Understanding Rowe Farming’s Operations

Robert Stacey:
Rowe Farming operates across approximately 2,500 acres in West and Mid Cornwall, focusing on daffodils both as cut flowers and dry bulbs. Currently, the team is in the peak harvest season, with over 450 workers actively harvesting flowers across a wide area. They supply daffodils for both UK and international markets, including Europe, the United States, and Scandinavia.

Managing the Daffodil Harvest

Mike Dray:
With a mild winter, managing the harvest becomes a logistical challenge as the crops grow rapidly. The picking season extends from Christmas to April, requiring meticulous coordination of staff across multiple fields to ensure timely harvesting. Rowe Farming has 12 teams, each with a specific location and harvest task, tailored to crop requirements and weather conditions.

Cultivating for Cut Flowers and Bulbs

Robert Stacey:
Rowe Farming focuses primarily on producing cut flowers, with the surplus bulbs as a byproduct. These bulbs are then marketed domestically and internationally. Maintaining a healthy crop throughout the season is essential to ensure strong flower yields for cut flowers and high-quality bulbs for sale.

Mike Dray:
The agronomic challenges are largely similar for both flower and bulb production, as maintaining crop health year-round influences yields for both markets. Different varieties show varying levels of disease resistance, making it important to apply fungicides at the right time to keep the crop healthy.

Continuous Improvement Through Trials

Rowe Farming collaborates with Agrii to conduct trials, focusing on fungicides and biostimulants. With limited options for daffodils, these trials are essential to evaluate the effectiveness of current products and explore new solutions for protecting crop health.

Addressing Environmental Challenges

Mike Dray:
Rowe Farming has implemented grass sowing between daffodil rows to improve soil stability, suppress weeds, and retain water, particularly during periods of heavy rain. This measure is part of a broader environmental approach that has been well-received by the Environment Agency.

Robert Stacey:
Ensuring soil health is crucial since daffodil crops remain in the ground for 3-5 years. Establishing a strong base with the right soil structure and nutrient levels allows for multiple successful harvests from a single planting.

The Challenges of Rising Costs and Labour

Robert Stacey: Rising labour and input costs are major concerns. Labour costs have increased by over 10% in the last three years, with another rise expected soon. Labour availability, coupled with the need to create a supportive work environment, adds further pressure on operational costs. Additionally, the cost of machinery has increased significantly, especially with the need for specialised equipment tailored to Cornwall’s landscape and daffodil farming.

Ensuring Consistent Supply with Diverse Locations

Rowe Farming also operates in Scotland, adding a layer of diversity and weather resilience to their supply chain. This allows them to grow a larger proportion of late-blooming daffodils in Scotland, complementing the earlier season in Cornwall.

Final Reflections

Robert Stacey:
“We always look forward to the first day of the flower harvest, but by the end, we’re eagerly awaiting the last day. It’s a cycle we embrace each year.”

Mike Dray:
Working with daffodils is a unique experience and a significant part of Cornwall’s agricultural identity. The logistics and planning that go into the harvest make it a rewarding challenge.

Advice for Other Farmers

Robert Stacey:
“Surround yourself with good people and invest time in training and developing your team. As the business grows and becomes more complex, you need the right support to manage all aspects effectively.”

View a range of handouts and videos looking at the vast range of biodiversity and natural resources on-farm, and simple practical measures that you can take to improve habitats and ecosystems.