The weather patterns we’re experiencing are increasingly unpredictable, creating a turbulent environment for farmers everywhere. Whether or not you subscribe to the broader conversation on climate change, the reality is that the direct link between climate and farm resilience is undeniable. We’re seeing it firsthand, and the implications stretch far beyond the fields.
This month, you might have seen our blogs on nature reporting, an area that’s gaining traction not just in farming circles but also among banks, supermarkets, and other major players in the economy. We’ve explored the role of nature in farm resilience and why institutions are turning to nature reporting as a crucial metric. Our recently launched General Data Collection tool is a significant step forward, designed to help farmers capture and analyse this vital information seamlessly.
The Intersection of Climate and Farm Resilience
Farming has always been at the mercy of the weather, but the stakes have never been higher. As we’ve seen this year, and the wider public has experienced through programmes like Clarkson’s Farm, the outcomes of a bad season can be devastating, impacting not just the farm itself but the broader economy. When crops fail, food becomes scarcer and more expensive. This isn’t just a farming issue—it’s an economic one. If the cost of food rises significantly, it trickles down, affecting everything from the cost of living to the health of the broader economy.
At the heart of this challenge lies farm resilience. On my family farm, we’ve begun implementing measures to counteract the effects of our increasingly dry summers. From planting hedges to improve soil moisture retention to enrolling in a three-year Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) scheme, we’re taking steps to boost our farm’s resilience. This isn’t just about maintaining production; it’s about ensuring that farms like ours can continue to thrive in the face of changing conditions.
Shifting Baselines and the Need for Action
As we all know understanding the cost implications of different options within the SFI framework is paramount. Quick, accurate cost assessments have enabled us to evaluate the potential profitability of each option, ensuring that we make informed decisions. However noble your intentions, transparency in costs and expected outcomes is crucial to ensure the long-term success of any sustainability initiative.
One of the most concerning trends we’re seeing is what’s known as “Shifting Baseline Syndrome.” As farming practices have industrialised, we’ve lost touch with what a resilient farm truly looks like. After World War II, there was a push for increased productivity, driven by advances in machinery and fertilisers. Our farm was no different – where ancient hedges and trees came out we were one of the first farms to use electric fencing to strip graze the cattle on kale. While this led to a boom in production, it also led to a gradual degradation of the natural resilience that once defined our farms.
Today, what seems “normal” in farming is actually far below where it could be. The resilience of our farms has been eroded, and now we’re in a position where we must actively work to restore it. I’m heartened to see initiatives like the continued Countryside Stewardship, well funded SFI and private sector payments aiming to reverse this trend. It’s not just about preserving the environment—it’s about safeguarding our future food supply and, by extension, the stability of our economy.
The Economic Case for Resilience
There’s growing recognition, even at the highest levels, of the need to address these issues. The UK’s National Risk Register highlights the risks associated with a low level of resilience on farms, and we’re now seeing tangible economic value being placed on efforts to improve this. As farmers become more resilient, we reduce national risks, which in turn strengthens our economy. This isn’t just a theoretical exercise; it’s about real economic impact.
Public opinion, too, is shifting. Thanks to the efforts of figures like David Attenborough and King Charles, there’s increasing awareness of the need to restore nature and reconnect ecosystems. This societal pressure is making its way up the supply chain, with supermarkets now feeling the heat from both customers and shareholders. These stakeholders want assurances that the farms they rely on are resilient and capable of weathering future storms; both literal and figurative.
Connecting the Dots with Land App
At Land App, we see our role as connecting the dots between all these stakeholders. Our suite of tools, including the General Data Collection tool on Land App Mobile, is designed to streamline data collection and reporting and is a crucial tool in this process. Our goal is to enable farmers to verify that they are meeting the requirements for funding and allow that data to flow smoothly to all relevant parties, from supermarkets to government bodies. By making this process as seamless as possible, we’re helping to make the transition to resilience not just possible but inevitable.
In doing so, we’re not only improving the quality of life for farmers but also enhancing the experience for everyone who interacts with the land, from shareholders in supermarkets to everyday citizens walking the footpaths of the British countryside. A more resilient farm means a more vibrant ecosystem, a healthier economy, and a more sustainable future for all.
As we continue to develop these tools and push forward with our vision, I’m more convinced than ever that resilience is the key to a thriving agricultural sector. The challenges are immense, but the opportunities are even greater. Together, we can build a system that works for everyone—a system that ensures our farms, and our future, are built to last.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
Tim Hopkin
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