We are increasingly striving to adopt a whole-farm approach to our activities, which means incorporating conservation measures and sustainable practices where possible.
Michael Langdale, our farm and operations manager, is a member of the local FWAG advisory committee and the company has been a member of the Countryside Stewardship Scheme for over 2 years. STC has recently been awarded ‘Innovation Centre’ status by LEAF, which will allow farmers and growers to see ecological farming in action.
We aim to demonstrate and promote how it is possible to improve the ecological infrastructure within the farmed environment, whilst still remaining profitable.
Specific on-farm conservation measures include:
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Over-Winter stubbles followed by a Spring/ Summer fallow
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Over-Winter stubbles followed by a Spring crop
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Creation of a wildflower meadow
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Creation of in-crop conservation headlands which receive reduced fertiliser and pesticide applications
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Hedge and ditch management for the benefit of wildlife
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A network of 6 and 2 metre grass margins as buffer zones around field edges and bordering water courses
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Conservation strips (tussocky grass & pollen/nectar bearing flowers) within cropped area
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Diversification of crops (e.g. lupins and soya) to reduce inputs
Tussocky grasss ‘beetle-bank’ as part of on-farm conservation measures.
Floral strip within cropped area as part of a system to encourage natural enemies of crop pests.
For more information contact: Stockbridge Technology Centre Ltd Cawood, Selby, North YorkshireYO8 3TZ Tel: +44(0)1757 268275 Fax: +44(0)1757 268996 Email:enquiries@stc-nyorks.co.uk
