Grower to share the benefits of controlled traffic farming

ARABLE: Farmer has slashed soil compaction using the practice

A Cambridgeshire farmer who has reduced soil compaction from 86% to 13% over the course of a decade by using controlled traffic farming (CTF) will share his experience with Scottish growers at a conference in Carnoustie next week.

PX Farms has been using CTF across a range of crops, including combinable crops and sugar beet since 2010 and in 2019 he applied it to farming potatoes for the first time.

James Peck says the innovation has improved efficiency and yield.

“We are delighted with the results from our first season using CTF with potatoes,” he said.

“It allows for a greater diversity of crops in the existing broad rotation, which in turn provides the opportunity for a better return back to landowners.”

PX Farms grows combinable crops, potatoes and sugar beet on 10,000 acres and Mr Peck says by using CTF with potatoes, he expects the reduction in soil compaction to be up to 50%.

Efficiencies have also been achieved by reducing cultivations.

He said: “Our business ethos is to drive innovation and efficiency into farming practices so that the sector is fit for the future.

“We’ve invested heavily in stateof-the-art technology to help create new opportunities, as well as greater efficiencies and yields.”

Mr Peck worked with specialist machinery manufacturers to modify kit for CTF.

The Farming Scotland conference will take place at Carnoustie Hotel next Thursday.

Tickets are available by contacting Mary Campbell on 01307 474274, email mary.campbell@eqaccountants.co.uk, or via farmingscotlandconference.co.uk nnicolson@thecourier.co.uk

The CTF method in operation on James Peck’s farm.