We are using the year 2010 as a means of promoting the advantages of controlled traffic farming - a 20% reduction in inputs matched by a 10% increase in outputs; and judging by those who have converted, these are modest claims.
At the LAMMA show last week in Lincolnshire, UK, we had a steady stream of visitors to our stand wanting to find out more. We hope these people will join CTF Europe and the increasing number of growers who want to do two things – reduce their inputs and increase their outputs. CTF not only does this, but also delivers environmental benefits by default! The largest farming company in the UK (20,000 ha spread over 17 units) has recognized the benefits of CTF and is piloting it on their Stoughton Farm in Leicestershire. Listen to what Stoughton’s farm manager, Nick Padwick (Winner of Farm Manager of the Year, 2009) and Co-operative Farm’s CEO Christine Tacon have to say about CTF and where they believe farming will be in 5-10 years time. (if you are only interested in hearing about CTF in this 30 minute radio programme, the most pertinent section is from 7 min to 16 min)
Can you afford to neglect CTF? Are you going to be making profit above subsidy when payments reduce from next year onwards? Places are still available at our two workshops in early February – both a must if you want to get into CTF or keep improving your existing CTF system. Go to our workshops page to find out more and book a place. It could be the best equivalent to a tank full of fuel you ever bought!.