Colin Chappell from Gander Farm in North Lincolnshire is the winner of this new award, from BASF, awarded on 28th July as part of a 20-year celebration of sustainability activity at Rawcliffe Bridge and The Grange.
Colin and his family farm on the banks of the river Ancholme where they own 400ha of predominantly arable clay land, with some permanent pasture. They contract farm a further 160ha of sandy soil, 120ha on a tenancy agreement, 80ha for a neighbour and have recently taken on a further 60ha of arable land.
The mid-tier environmental scheme includes wildflower strips such as the one found alongside the seed barley crop. Mr Chappell believes this approach gives a home for all the ‘mini-beasts’, insects, birds and wildlife, as well as allowing him to commercially farm with a profit.
Mr Chappell’s focus for the past two years has been on nitrogen and reducing inputs by using pulses and OSR in the rotation to help maintain natural soil nutrient levels. He is continuously monitoring his soil and carbon, and reviews each field. He is a keen advocate for the Bentazone Stewardship campaign and works with the local water company to monitor levels and ensure he is not applying the herbicide in a high-risk zone.
When asked what sustainability means to him, he said “Sustainability means farming within my own means so that I can make a living for my family, whilst also looking after the environment and the water that surrounds me.”
