Taking a Reality Check on Regen Farming

Introduction: Addressing Key Challenges in Regenerative Agriculture

In this episode we talk with Tom Martin, a well-known farmer and influencer from Peterborough, and Neil Harper, an agronomist with Agrii. We tackle the tough question: What is the reality check farmers need to consider when approaching regenerative agriculture?

Key Challenges in Regenerative Agriculture

What are the key challenges facing farmers when it comes to regenerative agriculture?

It’s a tough question. For a long time, farming has been quite formulaic—following clear guidelines like RB209 or general prescriptions. But with regenerative farming, there’s a lot more thought involved. It’s not as prescriptive, and I’ve found myself learning and thinking more than ever before. There’s definitely more pressure on decision-makers now.

What kind of pressures do farmers face in regenerative farming?

Apart from what others think—something that seems to weigh heavily in farming—it’s about balancing a broader toolbox of options. In regenerative farming, you’re not just following black-and-white rules; it’s more about guidelines, like the five pillars of regenerative agriculture, with the final one being context. You have to make it work for your farm, in your fields, under your specific circumstances.

The Five Pillars of Regenerative Agriculture

What are the five pillars of regenerative agriculture?

The five pillars are:

• Reduce tillage
• Increase biodiversity
• Maintain living roots in the ground as much as possible
• Protect the soil
• Incorporate livestock

And the sixth pillar is context—applying those principles to your unique situation.

Profitability and Regenerative Practices

What are the key challenges in maintaining profitability with regenerative farming?

The big one is balancing profitability. It’s great to think you can change your practices and see immediate benefits, but there are often hiccups. The volatility in markets is a challenge—fertiliser prices are high, grain prices are low, and farmers are making decisions months in advance without knowing the final value of their crops. Mother Nature, of course, adds another layer of complexity.

How does regenerative farming fit into the current farming landscape?

Regenerative farming introduces more variables. The chemicals we’ve relied on aren’t as effective, and cultural controls are becoming more important. It’s about resetting practices, understanding your soil structure, and knowing when it’s necessary to return to conventional methods. Flexibility is key.

Establishment and Soil Management

What are your views on crop establishment in regenerative systems?

Establishment is critical. If you think regenerative farming is just about getting rid of the plough, you’re missing the bigger picture. It’s about managing an ecosystem, not just growing a crop. If farmers focus solely on reducing tillage, they might find themselves thinking it doesn’t work on their land—which is something I hear too often.

Does the plough still have a place in farming?

Definitely. You can’t jump straight into no-till or direct drilling without the right soil structure. Sometimes, resetting with a plough is necessary, but it’s about reducing the harm it causes. You can use cover crops or green manures to mitigate the effects of tillage. The key is flexibility—doing what’s right for your land while minimising damage.

Starting with Regenerative Farming

Where is the best place to start with regenerative farming practices?

The most important place to start is with your mindset—the "top six inches" as they say. Before you even think about soils, you need to be open to new ways of farming. Your first step might be small, like bringing in livestock or building up soil organic matter. It’s not always about reducing tillage right away—it’s about understanding what works best for your farm.

The Role of Cover Crops in Regenerative Farming

What has your experience been with cover crops?

It’s been varied, to say the least! Like everything else, I’ve learned more from what’s gone wrong than what’s gone right.

How do cover crops fit into a regenerative approach?

Cover crops are just that—a crop, grown for a purpose. It’s not something you can just plant and walk away from. You need to know your soil, your rotations, and how the cover crop fits into that. It’s about targeting specific areas of the field and understanding the root structures you need to improve the soil.

What advice do you have for farmers thinking about cover crops?

If you’re not sure why you’re using cover crops—whether it's to improve soil structure or increase biodiversity—then don’t bother. But if you have clear goals, they can make a big difference.

Achieving Farm Profitability and Sustainability

Is it realistic to aim for better farm profitability alongside environmental sustainability?

Yes, absolutely. We haven’t seen a financial dip on our farm, and we’re spending less. Environmentally, there’s a noticeable improvement, and that has value too—my father always says how much more pleasurable it is to walk the fields now.

Planning for Success in Regenerative Farming

What are the challenges that could get in the way of success in regenerative farming?

It’s crucial to plan ahead. You need to spend time thinking about what could go wrong and how to mitigate those risks. Whether it’s your soil type, residue management, or cover crops, you have to consider the negatives and be flexible enough to adapt.

What’s the recipe for success in regenerative farming?

As long as you’ve thought about it, planned properly, and are aware of the potential mistakes, you should just go for it. Get started, share your experiences, and learn from others.

Top Tips for Farmers Considering Regenerative Practices

What is your top tip for farmers thinking about regenerative agriculture?

Talk to others—don’t be afraid to ask for advice. Farming can be isolating, but there’s so much to learn from others’ experiences, especially when it comes to making mistakes.

What’s your final advice to those considering regenerative farming?

Set yourself up to succeed. Don’t start with your worst field. Be a lifelong student—learn from your mistakes, network with others, and get on with it!

Conclusion

Thank you, Tom and Neil, for sharing your insights into regenerative farming. That’s it for this podcast, but stay tuned as we meet more experts throughout the season. If you have any questions for the experts, email us at info@agrii.co.uk. See you next time!

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To discover more around the principles around regenerative farming, access Insight Report 1: Improving Soil Resilience, which is the first of five Insight Reports.