Ben Taylor-Davies, born and raised on a farm in Ross-on-Wye before studying geography at Liverpool University. A job as an agronomist was going extremely well until 2012 when our young son was involved in a horrific horse accident which changed everything, forever and had a huge impact on my mental health. A Nuffield scholarship in 2015/16 ensued where I studied blackgrass but much more than that was fortunate to travel the world and look at all aspects of farming, the ideas of regenerative agriculture resonated with our farm ethos of hedge planting and increased biodiversity and spaces for nature and soon decided it was time to put the fun back into farming! Since this decision we have regenerated our farm, environment, family and mental health - its been an incredible journey.

SFI for underwriting positive farm business decisions

Farming 220 Ha in Ross-on-Wye, looking to increase the amount of land farmed without land acquisitions by looking at all aspects of production and concentrating on enterprise stacking wherever possible. The farm has historically grown potatoes and various vegetable enterprises and has access to irrigation from the river Wye. However the conflict of our soil type, legacy P issues, crop rotations and topography has made us rethink our strategy when it comes to potato and vegetable production.  A historic mixed farm which has seen the re-introduction of  various livestock enterprises whilst also developing a farm shop, holiday lets and glamping. The main focus of the farm is giving something to the next generation, this includes more soil, a better environment, a diverse income stream, no debt which has all been included into the farms 100 year plan.