Choosing SFI Options for Livestock and Arable Farms

In this episode, we are talking with Agrii’s Adam Simper, national grass, roots and environmental seeds manager and Simon Hobbs, cover crop, environmental and wildflower specialist.

Today we will be exploring SFI options available for both livestock and arable farmers this season and considering what growers need to know in order to make the right decisions for their farming regime.

Popular SFI Options

Adam Simper:
Farmers are mainly asking about two options. The first is “NUM2,” which is unimproved grassland, but the most popular by far is “SAM3,” which involves herbal lays. Herbal lays offer better benefits and a slightly higher payment than the unimproved grassland option.

Simon Hobbs:
We’re also seeing interest in “SAM3,” especially for fallow land, and “HL2,” which involves wild bird seed mixes. There’s also a smaller number of inquiries about “HL1,” the pollen and nectar mix.

Benefits of SFI Options for Different Farm Types

Adam:
Herbal lays can help fill the summer forage gap when natural grass growth declines, especially during hot, dry summers. The legumes and herbs within these mixes can help sustain livestock during these periods.

Simon:
These SFI options provide a risk management tool, particularly for replacing spring crops that struggle in dry summers. They can also serve as an alternative to crops like oilseed rape, which is susceptible to flea beetle damage. By using these options, farmers can still guarantee some income, even in difficult conditions.

Selecting the Right SFI Option for Your Farm

Adam Simper:
It’s essential to select the right SFI option based on your farm’s needs. For example, if you're using grass for grazing or cutting, you might want to choose a mixture tailored to your farming regime. For cutting, we would recommend a mixture without chicory, as chicory can cause issues with baling and cattle feed.

Simon Hobbs:
The right choice depends on the soil type, the farming rotation, and what you’re trying to achieve with the legume fallow. Some mixes can also target pests like nematodes in the soil, which could be beneficial for farms growing root crops.

Establishing and Managing SFI Options on Your Farm

Adam Simper:
When establishing these mixes, it’s vital to ensure good seedbed preparation. For herbal lays, the seed is very small, so it needs to be shallow drilled or broadcast on the surface, followed by rolling to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. If you try to establish these mixes in existing grassland, there’s a risk that the legumes and herbs won’t thrive due to competition.

Simon Hobbs:
Establishing these mixes is key. For arable farmers, if you're sowing in early spring, you need a fine seedbed. These mixes are generally drilled shallow to ensure the small seeds are properly established. For post-harvest sowing, it’s important to wait until the correct time to allow the plants to flower in time for the summer.

Financial Considerations and Risks

Simon Hobbs:
The SFI payments are significant. For “SAM3,” you can expect £382 per hectare per year, while “HL2” wild bird seed mixes pay £853 per hectare. However, there are costs involved, such as seed and establishment, which need to be factored into the financial equation.

Adam Simper:
Similarly, “NUM2” legume options pay £102 per hectare per year, but it’s crucial to balance the income from the scheme against the costs of seed, cultivation, and any potential loss of yield from existing crops.

Important Considerations for Establishing Herbal Lays

Adam Simper:
If you’re considering using “SAM3” on your farm, it’s important to be aware that managing herbal lays can be challenging. They require careful management, especially if you’re grazing them over winter. If you graze them too heavily, it could impact the persistence of the legumes and herbs, reducing the benefits over time.

Getting the Right Establishment and Maintenance

Simon Hobbs:
It’s crucial to get the establishment right. If you’re drilling into existing pastures, you need to ensure the seedbed is clean and free from weeds. If you don’t meet the aims of the scheme with a failed crop, you might be asked to reseed, which incurs additional costs. It’s better to invest in getting it right from the start.

How to Make the Most of SFI Payments

Simon Hobbs:
Ensure that the SFI option fits your farming rotation and that it won’t negatively impact your cash crop yields. The key is to work with your agronomist to choose the right seed mixture and establishment method to ensure good competition and long-term success.

Closing Thoughts

Adam Simper:
My advice is to select the right mixture that suits your management regime, whether it’s for grazing or cutting. Don’t cut corners with seed selection or establishment, as this can impact the success of the scheme and your payment.

Simon Hobbs:
Make sure the options you choose fit with your rotation and don’t interfere with the profitability of your farm. Take advice from your agronomist, get the right seed mixture for your soil type, and make sure you establish the crops properly.

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